GHACEM Cement Foundation (GCF) has donated 10,000 bags to selected schools and hospitals in the northern sector of the country.

Established in 2002 as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to assist deprived communities to improve their health and educational infrastructure.

The Foundation annually gives cement to deprived communities of the country group into Southern (Central, Western, Western North, Volta, Oti, Eastern and Greater Accra Region) and Northern (North East, Northern, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Brong East, Brong, Ahafo and Ashanti Region) Sectors as a support package for Educational and Health Institutions which are currently undertaken infrastructural projects.

For the year 2024/2025 the foundation commenced the donation ceremonies with a total 21,240 bags of cement to selected health and educational institutions in the Southern Sector last month whiles the Northern Sector received an estimated 10,000 bags.

This brings to total over 725,060 bags of cement as a support package to critical infrastructural projects in Ghana’s education and health sectors since its establishment in 2002.

At the Northern Sector donation ceremony held on May 19, 2025, in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital, Dr. Frank Huber, Managing Director of GHACEM, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustaining the Foundation in a bid to add its quota to Ghana’s development.

“Being a nation builder means more than just producing cement. It means producing responsibly, giving back meaningfully to society and treating workers fairly among others.

“Today’s employees and customers ask deeper questions about purpose, ethics, sustainability,” Dr. Huber said. “And GHACEM is proud to lead with values that show we care not just about cement quality, but about people and planet.”

“It is in view of this that we announce the upcoming launch of a new eco-friendly cement product soon on the market which will feature significantly lower CO₂ emissions, one of the lowest globally marking a major stride in sustainable manufacturing in Ghana.

Chairman of the Foundation, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, Paramount Chief of Assin Kushea of the Owirenkyi Traditional area reflected on the motivation behind the foundation’s creation more than two decades ago.

“At the time companies came, paid their taxes, made their profits, and left there was no conscience behind corporate social responsibility, “But GHACEM broke that jinx. In 2002, they decided that beyond paying taxes and royalties, they had to give back to the very communities that support their business.”

Nana Prah revealed that the cost of the donations over the years has reached GH₵58 million, emphasizing that the gesture is not a publicity stunt but a serious moral responsibility by a company that deserves to be supported with a continuous patronage for the initiative to be sustained.

He however expressed concern over the regional disparities in donations, noting that while the southern regions keep applying for more cement, the Northern regions on the other hand bring in low request.

“It’s unacceptable that children are learning ABCs in sand, with no roof, in snake-infested structures we dare call classrooms,” he said passionately and appealed to District leaders and citizens alike to act as ambassadors for equity, urging them to apply for support and advocate for underserved communities.

Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, a Council Member of the Foundation, said “Education and health are the foundation of opportunity. A country with an educated, healthy population is a country with a future,”.

She urged communities, especially in the northern sector, to take full advantage of the program by submitting applications and spreading awareness about the foundation’s work.

“This isn’t just charity, it’s a long-term investment in Ghana’s future. So use Ghacem cement, tell our story, and let’s build a better nation together.”

Mr. Frank Antwi Agyapong, Head of the GCF Secretariat who doubles as the Lead, Marketing & PR at Ghacem, stated: “We’ve had a successful 2024/2025 with the GCF, ending this year on a very positive note. Looking ahead to 2025/2026, we encourage more institutions to apply. Ghacem is a company that plans for the future and invests in the communities we serve.

“There is a dedicated allocation of cement available but only for those who apply. If no application is received, we assume there’s no need. We urge especially schools and hospitals to take advantage of this opportunity. Next applications will be opened in November 2025 so please apply and stand a chance to be selected.”