There is growing concern among homeowners, contractors, and industry experts about a worrying decline in cement quality in Ghana. Recent reports and observations from various construction sites across the country indicate that some cement manufacturers—particularly those operated by foreign, including some Chinese-owned companies—are allegedly using quarry dust as a substitute for clinker in the cement production process.

Clinker, which is the key ingredient in cement that provides the binding properties necessary for structural integrity, cannot be substituted without compromising the strength and durability of the final product. The alleged use of quarry dust—a material intended primarily for road base and not structural use—raises serious safety and quality issues.

This development is having a ripple effect on the Ghanaian building industry. Poor-quality cement can lead to weaker structures, increased maintenance costs, and in the worst-case scenario, building collapses that could result in injury or loss of life.

Homeowners and stakeholders are calling on the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Ministry of Works and Housing to urgently investigate these reports. There is a strong appeal for the enforcement of stricter quality control measures in the cement industry, including:

• Regular and unannounced inspections of cement factories,

• Independent testing of cement samples from across the market,

• Public naming and sanctioning of companies found to be violating national standards.

The construction industry is a backbone of national development, and the safety of buildings—whether homes, schools, hospitals, or office spaces—should not be compromised. Ghanaians deserve to have full confidence in the materials used in building their future.

— Reported by Mensah Thompson via Peace FM TikTok Channel

• Written & Published By Ghfame

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To reduce labor costs in tiling, the key question is which method to use—traditional or alternative. I used the Asia method for my three-bedroom home and compared its cost to the traditional approach.

With the Asia method, I spent 11,120 Ghana Cedis on tilers’ workmanship and used 57 bags of cement, totaling 15,604 Ghana Cedis for a 278 sqm area. This method involves dry-mixing sand and cement, eliminating the need for mortar screeding, speeding up the process, and reducing labor costs.

In contrast, the traditional method requires full mortar screeding before tiling. For a similar three-bedroom home, screeding alone costs about 8,000 Ghana Cedis (cement and labor). Adding tile cement (2,280 Ghana Cedis) and workmanship (11,120 Ghana Cedis), the total reaches 21,400 Ghana Cedis—over 6,000 Cedis more than the Asia method.

Beyond cost savings, the Asia method reduces heat transfer and prevents tile cracking. Many professional tilers and large companies prefer this approach for its efficiency and durability.

If you’re looking to cut labor costs and improve tile longevity, consider the Asia method.

Tiler’s Contact:
Mr. Simon (0242741598 / 0536810745)
WhatsApp: https://wa.link/3i7rcu