The Parliamentary Select Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions is considering discussions with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry over the influx of foreign cement on the Ghanaian market.

According to the committee, some individuals are allegedly exploiting loopholes to import substandard cement through unauthorised channels, a situation they say is undermining local production and threatening jobs.

During an oversight visit to some agencies in Accra, officials of GHACEM raised concern over the growing presence of imported cement, warning that it poses a major risk to the local industry and job creation.

Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Appiah Boateng, said members will consider engaging the Trade Ministry to find lasting solutions to sustain local manufacturing and protect Ghanaian jobs.

"This is something we should take up with the Minister of Trade for the minister to take action. Some people are just passing through the back door and importing cement into the country. Some of this cement is substandard, and they dodge taxes by importing from different countries. So I think the government has to do something to help the local manufacturers so they can grow bigger," he said.

The Chairman also indicated that the committee will brief Parliament as part of its monitoring report, highlighting challenges faced by GHACEM and other local companies, particularly with raw material importation, as part of efforts to support the government’s 24-hour economy initiative and job creation drive when fully implemented.

"Once the government is preaching a 24-hour economy, if they're able to import more raw materials and pay less tax, it will help the 24-hour agenda to be successful and enhance job creation," he stated.

On the second day of its tour, the Committee visited three companies in Accra, including Ghacem Limited, Nestlé and Nutrifoods Ghana Limited.

The committee said the visits form part of its oversight role to ensure companies comply with established procedures and to build meaningful relationships.

The visit provided a platform for the companies to share their achievements and challenges with the committee and to receive the committee’s recommendations on improving efficiency and compliance with the required standards.