Ghana has inaugurated a facility recognised as the world’s largest plant for producing clay-based cement, representing a major milestone in the nation’s drive to expand industrial development and promote low-carbon manufacturing.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has officially opened a $110 million calcined clay cement manufacturing facility at the Tema Industrial Enclave. The plant is operated by CBI Ghana Limited, the company behind the Supacem Cement brand.
Designed to produce up to 1.5 million tonnes of cement each year, the facility includes the capacity to manufacture 400,000 tonnes of calcined clay. This development places Ghana among leading countries advancing environmentally sustainable cement manufacturing.
Authorities say the initiative will enhance Ghana’s industrial capacity while lowering reliance on imported clinker, a major ingredient in conventional cement that requires substantial energy and foreign currency to procure.
Why calcined clay cement matters
Interest in calcined clay cement is growing worldwide as industries search for more climate-friendly alternatives to traditional cement production.
The manufacture of conventional cement contributes an estimated 7–8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, mainly because clinker production requires extremely high temperatures and energy use.
Substituting part of the clinker with locally available calcined clay enables producers to lower emissions significantly while still delivering cement that meets structural construction standards. This approach also allows nations with abundant clay resources to reduce clinker imports and keep more value within their domestic economies.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Mahama stated that the project highlights Ghana’s dedication to environmentally responsible industrial expansion.
According to him, the facility places Ghana at the forefront of sustainable cement manufacturing and illustrates how technological innovation can drive the country’s industrial development.
In addition to its environmental impact, the plant is projected to stimulate economic growth across several industries. Construction of the facility has already generated 109 permanent positions for engineers, technicians, and other skilled workers, while more than 1,000 additional opportunities have been created in logistics, mining, and construction supply networks.
Experts within the industry note that increased domestic cement output could also accelerate Ghana’s infrastructure projects and housing development, while boosting export prospects under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
As cement demand continues to grow across West Africa, analysts believe the new facility could help Ghana strengthen its role as a regional supplier while cutting import expenses and improving the country’s foreign exchange balance.