The Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is advocating for increased use of local materials in cement production.

Ghana imported $289 million worth of clinker in 2023, making it Africa's largest clinker importer. But the country faces mounting pressure to adopt homegrown solutions as construction costs strain economic growth.

The government currently spends, at least, 350 million dollars every year to import about 85 per cent of cement materials.

BRRI is concerned that the high cost of imported clinker, which is a backbone of cement production, is overshadowing the benefits of locally-produced pozzolana cement.

The concerns were raised during a training workshop jointly organized by the CSIR-BRRI and GHACEM, at Fumesua in Kumasi.

The 3-day workshop gathered building professionals, mainly masons and artisans, to learn from industry experts and enhance their skills in various construction techniques and best practices.

Director of CSIR-BRRI, Ing. Surv. Dr Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi, stated that although the government is negotiating with cement manufacturers to reduce prices as part of economic recovery efforts, he strongly feels a sustainable solution is needed to address the persistent rise in cement prices.

He therefore stressed the need to expand the capacity of the cement industry to halt the importation of cement to supplement local production.

"With cement prices on the rise, wouldn't it be wise to explore alternative local materials to reduce our reliance on it and potentially cut construction costs?" he quizzed.

He also revealed that cement production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which affect the environment, so using local materials could help create a balance.

"Don't forget that cement is also one of the largest producers of greenhouse gases, which affect the environment, so we have to strike that balance."

He noted that BRRI has developed low-cost cement with environmentally -friendly local materials, including clay.

Research and development activities by CSIR-BRRI have proven that calcined (burnt) clay can replace up to 40 per cent of cement for concrete works and general construction.

The researchers believe investment in calcined clay pozzolana to replace 20 per cent of cement clinker would reduce imports by 70 million US dollars, and reduce price of cement by 18 per cent.

Dr Asenso-Gyambibi believes “massive exploitation of Ghana's clay for pozzolana cement, burnt brick and tile production in the country will result in retention of capital, create employment and generate revenue to the country and our communities“.

Convener of the training session, Ing. Professor Mark Bediako, who heads the Advanced Materials Science Division at CSIR-BRRI, urged participants to attentively engage the industry experts and leverage the knowledge shared to enhance their work in construction.

He believes that many building collapses can be linked to the inadequate training and skills gap among middle-level artisans, such as masons, carpenters, and electricians in the construction industry, highlighting the need for targeted training programs to address this issue.

Ghacem's Product Management and Business Director, Mr Francis Dabanka, stating that the partnership aims to enhance the skills of artisans and masons, ultimately contributing to quality construction practices and boosting the industry's overall standards.

He pointed out that improper mixing of cement and sand by masons can lead to building collapses.

According to him, in such cases, the cement manufacturer might be unfairly blamed, when actually, the issue stems from the mason's lack of expertise or negligence, highlighting the importance of proper training for artisans.