The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has rejected as false a widely circulated notice claiming that the price of cement would increase by ¢6 per bag from Monday, January 19, 2026.
In a statement aimed at calming growing public concern, the Authority clarified that no such directive has been issued and urged stakeholders to disregard the information.
“The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) wishes to inform the public that the notice circulating about a ¢6 price increment of cement on Monday, 19th January, 2026, is FALSE. The Cement Manufacturing Development Committee, which includes GSA, has not issued any such directive,” the statement said.
“We advise the public to be cautious of false information and verify with our official channels before taking any action,” it added.
The clarification has brought temporary relief to players in the construction industry, where cement prices remain a major determinant of project costs.
The false announcement had sparked uncertainty among contractors, real estate developers and suppliers, many of whom are already managing tight budgets and rising operational expenses.
Cement pricing is a critical issue for the sector, particularly as businesses plan new projects and ongoing developments for 2026. The cost of the commodity directly affects housing delivery timelines, infrastructure projects and overall competitiveness within the industry.
Over the past year, builders and developers have faced elevated input costs, making the industry especially sensitive to any signals of potential price hikes.
With inflation easing and the cedi showing relative stability, stakeholders have been hopeful that improved macroeconomic conditions would translate into lower construction material costs rather than further increases.
The fake notice therefore generated significant anxiety, prompting swift action from the GSA to correct the record.
Government engagement with manufacturers
Meanwhile, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, is expected to meet with cement manufacturers later today, January 19.
The engagement is anticipated to focus on ways to align cement prices with recent improvements in economic fundamentals, while also addressing structural and operational challenges facing the industry.
Government is expected to push for reductions in cement prices to reflect the more stable economic environment and to ease the burden on consumers and businesses.