Building a house in Ghana? Renovating your property? The cement you choose can make or break your construction project. With 13 out of 15 cement manufacturers now operating in Ghana, choosing the right brand and grade has never been more important or more confusing.
In this comprehensive guide, Biz assurance reveals everything you need to know about cement companies in Ghana, including current prices, quality comparisons, cement grades (32.5R vs 42.5R), and expert tips to help you make the smartest buying decision for your construction project in 2025.
Current Cement Prices in Ghana (May 2025)
For May 2025, the ex-factory price of 32.5R cement ranged between GH¢93.89 and GH¢105, with an average price of GH¢97.7 across 12 producers. For 42.5R cement, prices varied from GH¢105 to GH¢127, averaging GH¢109.4 among 10 companies.
Retail Prices by Brand (50kg Bag):
| Brand | Grade 32.5R | Grade 42.5R | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHACEM | GH¢110 – GH¢120 | GH¢120 – GH¢135 | Structural work, trusted quality |
| Dangote Cement | GH¢115 – GH¢125 | GH¢125 – GH¢135 | General construction, widely available |
| CIMAF | GH¢95 – GH¢105 | GH¢105 – GH¢120 | Budget-friendly, good quality |
| Diamond Cement | GH¢100 – GH¢110 | GH¢110 – GH¢125 | Local brand, reliable |
| Dzata Cement | GH¢100 – GH¢115 | GH¢115 – GH¢130 | 100% Ghanaian-owned |
Important Note: Despite the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi, cement prices have not dropped at retail counters as of May 2025. Prices vary by location, retailer markup, and quantity purchased.
Wholesale Discounts: Buying in bulk (50+ bags) can save you GH¢5-GH¢15 per bag depending on the supplier.
Why Cement Prices Keep Rising in Ghana
Retailers cite rising port tariffs and import costs as primary factors, with some adding approximately GH¢9 per bag in February 2025.
Key Price Factors:
- Import costs – Most raw materials are imported
- Port tariffs – Government fees on imported materials
- Transportation – Fuel costs from Tema/Takoradi to other regions
- Exchange rates – Cedi depreciation increases costs
- Production costs – Energy, limestone, and labor
Top 10 Cement Companies in Ghana (2025 Rankings)
13 out of 15 cement manufacturers complied with mandatory ex-factory price declarations for May 2025, including GHACEM, CIMAF, Diamond Cement, Dangote Cement, and others.
1. GHACEM Limited
Founded: 1967
Ownership: Public (Ghana Stock Exchange)
Production Capacity: Over 2 million tons/year
Locations: Tema and Takoradi plants
Why GHACEM is Number One:
- Ghana’s leading cement producer with over 50 years of operation, known for commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability
- Three product lines: Super Strong, Super Rapid, and Extra
- Trusted by builders for three generations
- Strict quality control procedures
- Best for structural applications
Product Range:
- GHACEM Super Strong (42.5R): Best for columns, beams, foundations
- GHACEM Super Rapid (32.5R): Perfect for block laying and plastering
- GHACEM Extra (42.5R): High-performance concrete
Current Prices: GH¢110-GH¢135 per 50kg bag
2. Dangote Cement Ghana
Founded: 2011 (Ghana operations)
Ownership: Dangote Group (Nigeria)
Headquarters: Tema
Continental Leader: Dangote Cement is Africa’s largest cement producer with over 51.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of installed capacity
Why Choose Dangote:
- Known for quality and affordability, commonly used in construction projects across Ghana and Africa
- Massive production capacity ensures availability
- Strong distribution network nationwide
- Competitive pricing
- International quality standards
Product Range:
- Grade 42.5R: Structural applications
- Grade 32.5R: General construction and finishing
Current Prices: GH¢115-GH¢135 per 50kg bag
3. CIMAF Ghana Limited
Founded: 2011
Ownership: Addoha Group (Morocco)
Production Capacity: Over 1 million tons/year
Regional Presence: CIMAF operates across 15 African nations with over 10 MTPA capacity, with integrated plants in Ghana, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, and DRC
Why CIMAF Stands Out:
- Relatively cheaper compared to other brands
- Modern production facilities
- Excellent value for money
- Strong commitment to sustainability
- Growing market share in Ghana
Product Range:
- Portland Cement 42.5R
- Portland Limestone Cement 32.5R
Current Prices: GH¢95-GH¢120 per 50kg bag (Most Affordable Premium Brand)
4. Diamond Cement Ghana
Founded: 2002
Ownership: Ghanaian
Location: Volta Region
Production Capacity: 7 million metric tons/year
Why Diamond Cement:
- Proudly Ghanaian success story
- Recognized for high-quality final products used in various construction projects throughout the country
- Strong commitment to environmental sustainability
- Reliable local supplier
- Good reputation among contractors
Product Range:
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 42.5R
- Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) 32.5R
Current Prices: GH¢100-GH¢125 per 50kg bag
5. Dzata Cement Limited
Founded: 2020
Ownership: 100% Ghanaian-owned cement company
Location: Tema
Production Capacity: 2 million tons/year
Bagging Speed: 120 bags per minute
Why Support Dzata:
- Only 100% Ghanaian-owned cement manufacturer
- Modern German technology
- Creates 1,200+ direct jobs for Ghanaians
- Competitive pricing
- Growing market acceptance
Product Range:
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
- Grade 32.5R and 42.5R
Current Prices: GH¢100-GH¢130 per 50kg bag
6. Savannah Cement
Founded: 2017
Location: Buipe, Savanna Region
Production Capacity: 440,000 tons/year
Target Market: Northern Ghana
Why Choose Savannah:
- Serves Northern Ghana efficiently
- Uses local materials
- Competitive pricing in northern regions
- Supports regional economic development
Product Range:
- Savannah Cement 32.5R
- Savannah Cement 42.5R
- Savannah Cement 52.5R
7. Safe Cement (Xin An Safe Cement Ghana Ltd)
Recent Entrant: Compliant with May 2025 price declarations
Strengths: Competitive pricing, growing availability
8. Empire Cement
Status: Licensed and compliant
Market Position: Mid-range pricing, reliable quality
9. Kumasi Cement
Focus: Ashanti Region market
Strengths: Local availability, competitive regional pricing
10. SOL Cement (Wan Heng Ghana Ltd)
Background: International backing
Market Position: Growing presence in Ghana
Other Notable Brands: Bright Cement, Powercem (Africa Cement Factory Ltd), Western Diamond Cement, CBI Ghana
Understanding Cement Grades: Which One Do You Need?
Cement grades show how strong concrete will be after it has dried for 28 days. Strength is measured in megapascals (MPa), and a higher grade means the concrete can resist more force.
Grade 32.5R (Rapid Setting)
Strength: 32.5 MPa after 28 days
Best For:
- Plastering walls and ceilings
- Making concrete blocks
- Floor screeding
- General masonry work
- Tiling base
- Non-structural applications
Advantages:
- More affordable than 42.5R
- Sufficient for finishing work
- Good workability
- Less prone to cracking
When to Use: All finishing and non-structural work
Grade 42.5R (Rapid Setting – Most Popular)
Strength: 42.5 MPa after 28 days
Best For:
- Building columns and beams
- Foundation slabs
- Load-bearing walls
- Structural concrete
- Multi-story buildings
- Bridges and heavy infrastructure
Advantages:
- Higher compressive strength
- Faster setting time
- Suitable for all weather conditions
- Ideal for critical structural work
When to Use: All structural elements (foundations, columns, beams, slabs)
Grade 52.5R (High Performance)
Strength: 52.5 MPa after 28 days
Best For:
- Large-scale construction projects that demand extraordinary performance under demanding conditions
- High-rise buildings
- Dams and bridges
- Pre-stressed concrete
- Highways and airports
Disadvantages:
- Most expensive grade
- Not necessary for residential buildings
- Overkill for small projects
Which Cement Brand Should You Buy? (Expert Recommendations)
For Residential Building (1-3 Story House):
Best Choice: CIMAF or Diamond Cement (Grade 42.5R for structure, 32.5R for finishing)
Why: Excellent quality at affordable prices
For Major Construction Projects:
Best Choice: GHACEM or Dangote (Grade 42.5R)
Why: Proven track record, consistent quality
For Budget-Conscious Buyers:
Best Choice: CIMAF (Cheapest quality brand at GH¢95-GH¢105)
Why: Best value for money
For Supporting Local Economy:
Best Choice: Dzata Cement or Diamond Cement
Why: 100% Ghanaian-owned companies
For Northern Ghana:
Best Choice: Savannah Cement
Why: Local production means lower transportation costs
How to Spot Fake or Substandard Cement
Warning Signs of Bad Cement:
- Lumpy or hardened cement (indicates moisture exposure)
- Very cheap prices (if it’s too good to be true, it probably is)
- No manufacturing date (fresh cement is crucial)
- Damaged or poorly printed bags (sign of fake products)
- Unusual color (fresh cement should be grey, not brown or yellowish)
- Strong smell (quality cement has minimal odor)
Signs of Quality Cement:
- Smooth, fine powder texture
- Clear manufacturing date (within 3 months)
- Properly sealed bags
- Licensed brand name (check GSA list)
- Sets properly when mixed with water
- Purchase from authorized dealers
Money-Saving Tips When Buying Cement
Save up to 30% with these strategies:
1. Buy in Bulk
- 50-100 bags: Save GH¢5-GH¢10 per bag
- 100+ bags: Save GH¢10-GH¢15 per bag
- Direct from distributor: Best wholesale prices
2. Use the Right Grade
- Don’t over-buy: Grade 32.5R is perfectly fine for plastering (saves GH¢10-GH¢15 per bag)
- Calculate accurately: Avoid excess purchases
3. Buy at the Right Time
- Avoid peak season (dry season: November-March)
- Negotiate bulk discounts
- Compare prices from multiple suppliers
4. Store Properly
- Keep in dry, elevated location
- Use within 3 months
- Cover with tarpaulin
- Rotate stock (first in, first out)
5. Calculate Your Needs Accurately
For a 1,000 sq ft house:
- Foundation & columns: 150-180 bags (Grade 42.5R)
- Plastering: 80-100 bags (Grade 32.5R)
- Total: 230-280 bags
For 1 cubic meter of concrete:
- 1:2:4 mix: 7-8 bags of cement
- 1:3:6 mix: 5-6 bags of cement
Common Myths About Cement (DEBUNKED)
Myth: “Some cement brands are fake or weak”
Truth: There is no such thing as best cement brand – all licensed brands meet Ghana Standards Authority requirements
Myth: “Always buy the most expensive brand”
Truth: Price doesn’t always equal quality – CIMAF is affordable yet meets international standards
Myth: “Only Grade 42.5R is strong enough”
Truth: Grade 32.5R is perfectly sufficient for non-structural work
Myth: “Building cracks are caused by cement brand”
Truth: Most building defects are attributable to poor civil engineering methods, not the cement type
Where to Buy Cement in Ghana
Official Distributors:
- GHACEM: Multiple depots in Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi, Accra
- Dangote Cement: Tema operations with nationwide distribution
- Hardware stores: Melcom, B&Q, A&C Shopping Complex
Online Platforms:
- Goodpappa.com – Ghana’s top online cement supplier
- Jiji.com.gh – Marketplace with multiple sellers
- Tonaton.com – Local classifieds
Direct from Factory:
- Best for bulk purchases (50+ bags)
- Contact manufacturers directly for wholesale pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the strongest cement in Ghana?
Grade 52.5R is the strongest, followed by 42.5R. For residential buildings, Grade 42.5R is more than sufficient for structural work.
How much does a bag of cement cost in Ghana?
As of May 2025, prices range from GH¢93.89 to GH¢127 depending on grade and brand. Grade 32.5R averages GH¢97.70, while Grade 42.5R averages GH¢109.40.
Which cement is best for building a house in Ghana?
For structural work: GHACEM, Dangote, or CIMAF Grade 42.5R
For finishing work: Any reputable brand Grade 32.5R
How long does cement last?
Fresh cement lasts 3 months when stored properly. Check the manufacturing date and don’t buy cement older than 2-3 months.
Is CIMAF cement good quality?
Yes. CIMAF meets international standards and is one of the best value-for-money brands in Ghana.
Can I mix different cement brands?
Technically yes, but not recommended. Stick to one brand for consistency in strength and color.
Regulatory Information
Ghana Standards Authority (GSA): The GSA (Manufacture of Cement) Regulation, 2023 (L.I. 2480), sets stringent standards and guidelines for cement production to safeguard consumers.
Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC): Operates under GSA to ensure transparency through mandatory ex-factory price declarations.
Contact GSA:
- Website: gsa.gov.gh
- For complaints or verification of licensed manufacturers
Final Thoughts: Make the Smart Choice
The cement you choose directly impacts the strength, durability, and cost of your construction project. With 15 licensed manufacturers competing in Ghana’s market, you now have more options than ever—from premium brands like GHACEM and Dangote to affordable quality options like CIMAF and Diamond Cement.
Our Top Recommendations for 2025:
Best Overall: GHACEM (trusted quality, 50+ years)
Best Value: CIMAF (international quality, local prices)
Best Local Brand: Dzata Cement (100% Ghanaian-owned)
Most Affordable: CIMAF (GH¢95-GH¢120 per bag)
Quick Buying Checklist:
- Check manufacturing date (within 3 months)
- Buy the right grade (42.5R for structure, 32.5R for finishing)
- Purchase from licensed dealers
- Store in a dry, elevated place
- Use within 3 months of purchase
Ready to start your construction project? Visit your nearest hardware store or contact cement distributors directly for wholesale pricing. Remember: the cheapest option isn’t always the best, but the most expensive isn’t always necessary either.
Need personalized advice? Drop your questions in the comments below, and we’ll help you choose the perfect cement for your specific project.
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