Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, has charged cement manufacturing firms to consider the use of local raw materials in production processes.
According to him, this should complement imported raw materials as well as help stabilize the market for consumers.
Speaking at the premises of the newly operational, Dzata cement factory, Trades Minister was optimistic that this development will bring significant change to the main supply chain.
The Trades Minister was optimistic that this development will bring significant change to the main supply chain.
“The initial phase which is a bagging plant is only meant to open the way for something greater to come. I understand from the management team that the second [and] third phases will also actually result in the installation of grinding plant.
“So, in this regard, I would like to encourage you, once you get to that level, to be able to explore opportunities for using local raw materials, not to completely substitute… but it will complement whatever you are importing into the country”.
Investment in local manufacturing companies
Mr. Kyerematen commended Ibrahim Mahama, the Founder of Dzata Cement Limited, for investing heavily in the cement industry.
“I was telling Ibrahim that, he’s been hiding, doing this quietly, only to spring a surprise at the appropriate time. I must say that this is a remarkable investment and I say so for a number of reasons. First, this industry is dominated by global foreign companies and that’s the way it is globally. So, this is the first investment in the cement industry which is fully Ghanaian owned. I think that alone is very significant.
“As a government, we very much understand and appreciate the importance of foreign investment capital. But there is no evidence of any country, anywhere in the world, that has been able to achieve superlative growth without support their own indigenous entrepreneurs. That is why I think that this particular investment is something that should pave the way for investments in industries that have otherwise been dominated by foreign companies”.
State-of-the-art technology
The Trades Minister further lauded the founder of Dzata Cement, Ibrahim Mahama, for his investment in state-of-the-art technology. This, he indicated, is crucial for a developing country.
“It shows you that, it’s not just the fact that this is an indigenous entrepreneur doing this; but that he’s taken the trouble to invest in the state-of-the-art technology which also is important for us as a developing country”.
On his part, Ibrahim Mahama, revealed that, the factory “will go on for generations even yet unborn”.
“There are so many plans and for this particular phase, 1.2 million tonnes capacity. Very soon, we’ll double this capacity and that’s only for the [bag] segment; if we add selling, direct to project site, the capacity in the next few years will be three million tonnes. By far, our vision is to make sure we become number one in this country in the next few year.
“We are going to work assiduously towards that; and also solicit the support of government. For us, we are very delighted to have the minister visiting us; even though we have not started operation fully”.
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