News
Trade Ministry warns against illegal importation of Cement
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has warned the public and importers against the smuggling and unlicensed importation of Portland cement into the country.
In a press release issued on Monday, October 21, 2025, the Ministry said anyone who imports cement without the necessary license is breaking the law and will face strict sanctions.
According to the statement, the law governing cement importation the Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Portland Cement) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2240) requires that all individuals or companies seeking to import Portland cement must first obtain a valid import license from the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
The Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasized that since she took office, no import licenses have been issued for Portland cement. This means that any cement currently being brought into the country without authorization is illegal.
“Any ongoing importation of Portland cement without the requisite authorization is illegal and will attract strict enforcement actions, including seizure of goods, fines, and prosecution under Ghanaian law,” the statement said.
The Ministry added that it is working with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to tighten border checks, inspect markets, and ensure that only licensed and certified importers operate within the cement industry.
It urged the public to avoid buying or supporting illegally imported cement and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Ministry said the move is part of efforts to protect consumers, promote local production, and maintain standards in Ghana’s construction sector.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama signs book of condolence in honour of late former first lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama, have signed the book of condolence in honour of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
The visit took place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the family’s residence in Accra.
It followed widespread media reports confirming that the former First Lady had passed away at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
In his condolence message, President Mahama paid glowing tribute to Nana Konadu, describing her as a dedicated leader and a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment.
“Ghana is proud of your achievements in your 19 solid years as First Lady and ‘Mother of the Nation.’ While we are all saddened by your passing, we celebrate your life,” the President wrote.
He noted that her passing was especially painful as it came at a time when preparations were underway to mark the fifth anniversary and final funeral rites of her late husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings.
“You fought a good fight and deserve a peaceful rest,” his message concluded.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2000.
She was the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement and is remembered for her lifelong commitment to advancing women’s rights and national development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Paul Adom-Otchere, has explained that his recent legal action against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is not to stop the anti-graft body from accessing his asset declaration details.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Adom-Otchere said reports suggesting that he was trying to block the OSP from obtaining information on his assets were misleading.
According to him, he had already completed and submitted the asset declaration forms requested by the OSP on October 23, 2025.
He also attached a letter of protest on the same date to express his concerns about certain aspects of the process.
“As a matter of record, the OSP’s asset declaration forms have been completed and submitted,” the statement read.
Mr. Adom-Otchere stressed that he remains committed to cooperating with the OSP to bring finality to the matter.
He explained that the purpose of his court action is simply to “settle the law and procedure on the matter” not to obstruct the OSP’s work.
The OSP had earlier directed Mr. Adom-Otchere to declare his assets as part of an ongoing investigation, prompting him to seek clarification from the court on the legality of that directive.
By: Jacob Aggrey
