Ghana Cement Works Commission's Fourth Cement Mill

Takoradi, (Central Region) 6 Oct.,

A fourth mill of the Ghana Cement Works (GHACEM) factory at Takoradi was commissioned today by the Western Regional Minister, Mrs. Esther Lily Nkansah. Work on the mill which started about 20 months ago cost 10 million Dollars. In a welcoming address, the Managing Director of GHACEM, Limited, Mr. Tor Nygard said the new mill, the largest for the company, has an annual production capacity of 700,000 tonnes. Mr. Nygard said the Takoradi plant now has the same production capacity as the Tema plant, giving GHACEM a total annual production capacity of two point four million tonnes. He said with the excess capacity installed in Takoradi, it is expected that, during the next few years, the Takoradi factory will be able to meet the increase in demand for cement in Ghana. Mr Nygard said GHACEM is undertaking these major investments because of the confidence they have in Ghana's future. He expressed the company's gratitude to the government for the peaceful atmosphere and sound economic policies that have enhanced GHACEM's operations. Apart from the new mill, he said the Takoradi factory has also gone through structural changes to ensure smooth and efficient production. ''We are presently evaluating plans to install additional cranes at the harbour jetty in order to better facilitate clinker and gypsum discharge as well as increasing the storage facilities for clinker and gypsum to be able to accommodate production capacity.'' Mr Nygard said GHACEM has over the years contributed substantially in the form of taxes and dividends to the government. It has also assisted several institutions, communities and organizations in the form of cash and materials for their developmental programmes. He said GHACEM has also taken steps to reduce the dust level to a minimum in order to ensure a healthy environment for its employees and neighbours.