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
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that in the whole of 2024, only GHS 362 million was released to MMDAs in Common Fund.
Contrary to this, In 2025 alone GHS 5 billion was released to the MMDAs with the following breakdown as follows.
The Minister made this revelation when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series held today.
In breakdown, the minister nonted that 1st Quarter – 790,372,058.40 was released for 2025.
He added that for the 2nd Quarter, 1,464,983,309.60 was released.
3rd Quarter saw the release of 1,188,921,640.80 and
1,592,706,391.20 for 4th Quarter.
The Minister added tha each of the MMDAs were required to undertake the following; at least 2-CHPS compounds, 3 Classroom blocks, 10 Boreholes, and Completion of legacy projects.
Additionally, 25% of the Common Fund was allocated for the Construction of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets.
Ahmed Ibrahim noted that as a result of the timely and unprecedented release of Funds, a total of 494 CHPS compounds, 761 Classroom Blocks, 4,029 Boreholes, and 2,755 Legacy projects are currently at various stages of completion.
Also, he added that 261 24-Hour Economy Model Markets have all been awarded on contracts and construction has begun on many of them.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
