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Mahama Hails Economic Reforms as Cement Prices Fall Sharply in Ghana

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President John Dramani Mahama has hailed Ghana’s ongoing economic reforms and industrial investments after announcing a sharp reduction in cement prices across the country, bringing significant relief to the construction and housing sector.

According to the President, cement prices have fallen by about 20 percent following a combination of macroeconomic stabilisation policies, fiscal discipline, and sustained engagement with industry stakeholders.

Speaking during the commissioning of a new $110 million calcined clay cement manufacturing plant in Tema, President Mahama described the development as evidence that sound economic management and private sector collaboration are yielding positive results.

“Through a mix of macroeconomic stabilisation, fiscal discipline and constructive engagement with industry stakeholders, we have started to see positive results in the cement space,” President Mahama said.

He added that the price reduction is already benefiting builders, contractors, and households across the country who rely heavily on cement for construction activities.

Relief for Construction and Housing Sector

President Mahama explained that cement prices had surged in 2024, reaching approximately GH¢120 per bag for 42.5 grade cement and GH¢113 per bag for 32.5 grade cement.

However, he said government policy reforms helped reverse the upward price trend.

“By July 2025, cement prices had fallen by about 20 percent, providing relief to builders, contractors and the housing construction industry,” he stated.

The President further noted that construction inflation has also shown signs of stabilisation, declining to 3.9 percent year-on-year in January 2026, reflecting broader economic recovery.

“These developments demonstrate the impact of prudent economic management and a strengthening domestic currency,” he said.

Industrial Investment Driving Local Production

President Mahama linked the price reduction partly to new investments in Ghana’s cement manufacturing industry, including the newly commissioned calcined clay cement plant in Tema.

He said the facility will help increase domestic cement supply while reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported clinker, which has historically increased production costs.

“This investment demonstrates that when the policy environment is transparent, stable and supportive of enterprise, the private sector will respond by mobilising capital and undertaking projects of global significance,” he said.

The President explained that the new plant will reduce clinker imports by more than 10 percent, helping retain hundreds of millions of cedis within the domestic economy.

“This means lower production costs, reduced import dependency and more value retained within the Ghanaian economy,” he added.

Sustainable Manufacturing and Climate Action

The new plant utilises limestone calcined clay cement technology, which significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional cement production methods.

President Mahama emphasised the importance of adopting environmentally friendly industrial practices to support global climate goals.

“Traditional clay-based cement production accounts for about 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. By introducing this technology, we are advancing both industrial growth and environmental responsibility,” he said.

He added that Ghana remains committed to balancing industrial development with climate action in line with international environmental agreements.

Part of Broader Industrialisation Agenda

President Mahama said the project forms part of government’s broader industrialisation and infrastructure development agenda under the Big Push programme, which is investing over GH¢60 billion in national development projects.

He expressed optimism that continued dialogue between government and industry stakeholders will help sustain price stability in the long term.

“Dialogue between government and industry remains essential for ensuring stability and sustainable growth in this all-important sector,” he said.

Economic Outlook

Analysts have welcomed the development, noting that stable construction material prices could support housing development, infrastructure expansion, and job creation across the country.

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Kenneth Ashigbey Denies Influencing Wontumi Case, Condemns False Claims

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Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey,has strongly denied allegations that he influenced the High Court’s ruling in the case involving NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Ashigbey described as “completely false” reports claiming that his relationship with the trial judge influenced the court’s decision and that he had allegedly stated he was confident Wontumi would be jailed because the judge was his sister-in-law.

Ashigbey categorically rejected the claims, insisting he never made such a statement.

“I have never said, anywhere, at any time, that I was confident Wontumi will go to jail because the judge is my sister-in-law. That quote is a fabrication,” he stated.

He further clarified that the July 20, 2026 judgment in Republic v. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi), Kwame Antwi (At Large), and Akonta Mining Company Limited is entirely separate from a petition he filed together with Martin Kpebu, Edem Senanu, and Kwame Asiedu.

According to Ashigbey, their petition remains pending before a different court and has not yet been heard on its merits. He described attempts to connect the two cases as “deliberate mischief” aimed at misleading the public.

He also dismissed suggestions of a conflict of interest, stressing that he was not a party to the case that resulted in Wontumi’s conviction and therefore had no direct interest in its outcome.

“There could not have been any conflict-of-interest situation as is being alleged,” he stated, urging the public to refrain from dragging judges and their family relationships into public propaganda.

Ashigbey warned that such allegations undermine public confidence in Ghana’s justice system and called on citizens to allow the judiciary to perform its constitutional duties without interference.

Reaffirming his long-standing position on illegal mining, Ashigbey said his advocacy has remained unchanged since 2017. He maintained that individuals who organise, finance and benefit from illegal mining activities—the “kingpins”—should face the maximum punishment permitted under the law.

“For the past eight years, I have maintained the principled view that those who organise, finance and benefit (‘kingpins’) from illegal mining activities should be subject to the maximum sentence prescribed by law. I stand by that position without reservation,” he said.

He concluded by urging the public to disregard the false reports and instead focus on the substantive issues surrounding the fight against illegal mining and the rule of law.

110 Response – I was confident Wontumi will go to_260721_190440

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Wontumi Was the Target, Not the Real Culprit – Ex-Lawyer Breaks Silence, Urges Appeal Against 20-Year Jail Term

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Former legal counsel for Charles Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has questioned the basis of his former client’s conviction and 20-year prison sentence, arguing that the punishment raises serious legal concerns and should be challenged on appeal.

In an exclusive interview after the judgment, lawyer Ohene Amankwaa Gyan described the conviction as a “sad day,” saying he was deeply disappointed by the outcome.
“I have heard people celebrate the conviction as a deterrent to illegal mining, but I question whether the actual culprit has been punished,” he said.

The lawyer queried the presence of the man who at the court openly admitted involvement in activities linked to the Samleboi enclave, he believes there are unanswered questions about whether the real perpetrators of the alleged illegal mining operations were held accountable.

He further questioned whether his former client had become the main target of the prosecution.
“Does it mean Wontumi was the target rather than the real culprit? Does it mean other persons could go untouched just to incriminate him,” he stated.

Ohene Amankwaa Gyan revealed that he is dissatisfied with the court’s judgment and has advised Wontumi’s current legal team to file an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence.

He disclosed that while he was still part of the defence team, they filed an appeal after the trial judge issued a submission of no case to answer, but said the application had not yet been determined.

Expressing optimism, the lawyer said a fresh appeal could produce a favourable outcome if pursued diligently.
Addressing claims that he withdrew from the case because he anticipated defeat, the former counsel dismissed the speculation, insisting that no lawyer could predict a judge’s final decision.
He explained that his withdrawal was solely based on his client’s own decision and not because he foresaw a losing case.

He added that any appeal would likely challenge both the conviction and the sentence, with possible outcomes including the quashing of the conviction, a reduction of the prison term, or even an enhancement of the sentence, depending on the appellate court’s findings.
Despite the uncertainty, the former lawyer maintained that he remains hopeful Wontumi could obtain a positive outcome if his lawyers proceed with an appeal. has advised Wontumi’s current legal team to file an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence.

He disclosed that while he was still part of the defence team, they filed an appeal after the trial judge dismissed their submission of no case to answer, but said the application had not yet been determined.
Expressing optimism, the lawyer said a fresh appeal could produce a favourable outcome if pursued diligently.

Addressing claims that he withdrew from the case because he anticipated defeat, the former counsel dismissed the speculation, insisting that no lawyer could predict a judge’s final decision.
He explained that his withdrawal was solely based on his client’s own decision and not because he foresaw a losing case.

He added that any appeal would likely challenge both the conviction and the sentence, with possible outcomes including the quashing of the conviction, a reduction of the prison term, or even an enhancement of the sentence, depending on the appellate court’s findings.
Despite the uncertainty, the former lawyer maintained that he remains hopeful Wontumi could obtain a positive outcome if his lawyers proceed with an appeal.

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Notary Public Status Is a Privilege, Not a License to Be Careless — Ohene Amankwaa Warns Lawyers

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Legal practitioner Ohene Amankwaa Gyan has described the appointment of a Notary Public as a prestigious honour that comes with enormous responsibility, urging beneficiaries to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Speaking in an exclusive interview after receiving his Notary Public status, Amankwaa explained that a Notary Public licence is a special authorization granted by the courts to experienced lawyers who have diligently served at the Bar for more than 10 years, in accordance with the Notaries Public Act, 1960.
He noted that the appointment empowers lawyers to authenticate legal documents with an official seal, making the role critical to the administration of justice.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for the recognition, lawyer Amankwaa said he was honoured to be entrusted with such a prestigious responsibility.
He explained that the selection and appointment of Notary Public lawyers are based on a lawyer’s integrity, discipline, and professional record, adding that candidates undergo thorough scrutiny before being approved by the appropriate legal authorities.

According to him, the annual exercise, led by the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service, is intended to recognize lawyers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service.
While celebrating the achievement, Amankwaa cautioned that the status should never be abused.
He warned that because Notary Public lawyers are relatively few, some people may attempt to exploit their official seals and authority for fraudulent purposes.

He also expressed concern that some Notary Public lawyers fail to properly scrutinize documents, especially those involving relatives or people they know personally, saying such negligence undermines the credibility of the office urged all beneficiaries to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence at all times, stressing that any abuse of the privilege or failure to follow the law could result in the withdrawal of their licence by the relevant authorities.
“Being a Notary Public is an honour worth celebrating, but it is also a responsibility that demands integrity, discipline and strict adherence to the law,” he emphasized.

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