Trade and Industry Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond dismissed representatives of the Cement Manufacturers Association from a scheduled meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GCCI) held at the Christ the King in Accra.

A video from the event captured Minister Hammond insisting that the cement manufacturers leave the room before the meeting commenced. "I was invited by the Chamber of Construction. I wasn’t invited by the Association of Cement Manufacturers. I wasn’t invited by them. Can they leave?” the Minister asked.

Minister Hammond explained that he had already engaged in discussions with the cement manufacturers and saw no need for further dialogue at this meeting. He emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to interact specifically with the Chamber of Construction.

Faced with the presence of the cement manufacturers, Hammond stated firmly, "Two options, that I leave or they leave," rejecting attempts by Chamber representatives to justify the manufacturers’ attendance.

He added, "Actually if you want it on record, they will not meet with me."

In response to the Minister’s insistence, Emmanuel Tettey Martey, Chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industries, requested the cement manufacturers to exit. "Respectfully, our manufacturers, our minister has stated clearly that he has already met you and you have articulated your issues to him so he thought that he was meeting only the chamber. So that is where we stand. We don’t want a situation where the minister will leave, then we wouldn’t have achieved the purpose for which the meeting was called,” Martey appealed.

Despite further intervention from Nana Opare Kwafo, Vice Chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Construction and Kyidomhene of Aburi, the Adansi Asokwa MP Hammond stood his ground, insisting on the manufacturers' exit.

A source present at the meeting confirmed to CitiNewsroom that the cement manufacturers eventually walked out, allowing the meeting to proceed.

This incident follows a previous altercation on July 1, 2024, when the Cement Manufacturers opted out of a meeting with Minister Hammond due to his insistence on having the media present during the discussions.

The Trade Minister's firm stance and the ensuing ejection of the manufacturers have sparked discussions about the dynamics between the Ministry, the Cement Manufacturers Association, and the Chamber of Construction, highlighting the need for clear communication and coordination in addressing industry concerns.

The disagreements have largely stemmed from the Minister's attempt to introduce a Legislative Instrument to regulate cement pricing much to the disagreement of the manufacturers.