Supacem makes a breakthrough in cement production by finding a substitute for clinker and investing $100 million in new technology. CBI Ghana Ltd., the company that makes Supacem Cement, has invested $100 million in LC3 technology. This is an important step toward using Ghanaian raw materials to make cement. The new plant located in Tema, which is the world’s largest LC3 plant, provides a homegrown solution to the clinker problem by tapping into Ghana's abundant raw material resources as a substitute for imported clinker.
Kobby Adams, Supacem's Commercial Director, stated in an interview that the Ghana Standards Authority's adoption of the most recent LC3 standard in 2024 was a significant step toward making this innovation possible. “This landmark achievement followed two years of collaboration between Ghanaian institutions such as KNUST (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), the University of Ghana, and Ghana's BRRI, alongside various international universities and laboratories.
Mr. Adams stated, "The widespread use of this more sustainable and locally sourced cement is made possible by this new standard, GS PAS 5:2024." Cement industry
Ghana's cement industry relies heavily on imported clinker, leaving it vulnerable to foreign supply problems and volatile global markets.
The country's cement retailers are also experiencing increasing difficulties due to widespread brand shortages, which restrict builders' access to essential materials. A severe shortage of clinker, an essential imported raw material for the production of cement, lies behind this disruption. Mr. Adams explained that a 5.6% currency depreciation between December and February and evolving global market uncertainties, including an increase in export prices from the Mediterranean rim, a major clinker source, contributed to the current shortage of clinker and its rising prices. He stated that Supacem would reduce the impact of clinker shortages by producing a significant portion of their cementitious material, resulting in a more reliable cement supply for Ghanaian retailers and builders, one of the benefits of the new plant for Ghanaian consumers. The project, Mr Adams said, had created over 160 direct jobs through local sourcing and infrastructure development in Tema and Torgome, and empowering local women through training programmes.
“A more cost-effective raw material supply chain could provide greater price stability and cement affordability, despite the fact that recent price adjustments have been influenced by various operational factors. The production of LC3 significantly lowers CO₂ (carbon dioxide) emissions compared to traditional cement production.
Mr. Adams stated that Supacem's project strengthened Ghana's economy and reduced its vulnerability to external economic factors by reducing import dependence and adding value to local raw materials. "Supacem has led the transformation of the cement industry in Ghana. The company has extended its supply of locally produced LC3 raw materials to Ghacem, Ghana’s largest manufacturer,” he said.
Mr. Adams stated that this action further reduced clinker imports and emphasized Supacem's commitment to industry-wide sustainability and the development of a Ghanaian cement sector that is more resilient and self-sufficient. Industry
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, Emmanuel Cherry, recently called for the exploration of local alternatives for clinker.
Supacem's investment, supported by the GSA's adoption of the LC3 standard, answers this call, showing the potential of Ghanaian ingenuity and resources to address critical industry needs.
The Ghana Standards Authority's adoption of the LC3 standard, in conjunction with Supacem's investment, appears to be a response to this demand, which has been described by some industry professionals as demonstrating the capacity of Ghanaian ingenuity and resources to meet essential industry requirements. “Supacem's initiative offers a tangible solution to the current cement shortage and builds a foundation for a more sustainable, self-reliant, and environmentally responsible cement industry in Ghana,” an expert who declined to be named
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