The recent increase in cement prices in Damongo has ignited public outrage and renewed debate, following conflicting accounts from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and local cement dealers.
While the GSA has denied any official increment in cement prices nationwide, a local dealer, Mr. Yussif, popularly known as “No Limit,” has confirmed that prices have indeed gone up in Damongo.
Speaking on Kasha FM’s Morning Show on January 20, 2026, Mr. Yussif attributed the hike to factors beyond the control of dealers, citing increased production costs and high transportation expenses from cement factories.
According to him, dealers are compelled to adjust prices immediately upon receiving notifications from the factories.
He further argued that despite the increment, Damongo still records some of the lowest cement prices across the five Northern regions.
However, the situation has been complicated by allegations that a local cement association pressured Hon. Nana Kwame, a dealer who was previously selling cement at relatively lower prices, to increase his prices.
Reports suggest that Hon. Nana Kwame had demanded to provide transportation services for other dealers a proposal initially rejected by the association, resulting in price disparities within the market.
Recent developments indicate that the association has since accepted his proposal, leading to a uniform pricing structure among dealers. Hon. Nana Kwame is now reportedly selling cement at the same price as his counterparts.
Mr. Yussif has strongly denied claims of coercion, explaining that the arrangement was purely commercial and aimed at encouraging dealers to patronize Hon. Nana Kwame’s transport services.
He disclosed that some dealers have already begun using the service, with at least one truck currently transporting cement into Damongo.
Despite these explanations, residents remain skeptical. Many have questioned the justification for the price increase, particularly in the context of the strengthening Ghana cedi and declining fuel prices.
Appealing for calm, Mr. Yussif insisted that dealers are not making excessive profits and are responding to prevailing market conditions.
He cited instances where some dealers sell at lower prices due to individual operational considerations.
Nonetheless, sections of the youth remain unconvinced, arguing that the reasons provided do not adequately explain the sudden hike.
The controversy has left residents demanding greater transparency as questions linger over what truly drives cement pricing in Damongo.
Source: kashafmonline.com
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