Aflao cement factory to start full production by end of July

The 20 million-dollar Diamond Cement Factory at Aflao would start test production next week in preparation for a full capacity production by the end of July.

This followed the successful installation of the various equipment on the production line including the packaging plant, cement silo, grinding mill, bucket elevators, dumper hoppers, among other machines.

The Ghana News Agency reports Mr Chitti Badu, Managing Director of the Company as saying on Monday that the successful completion of the production line was a major breakthrough for the company and the country.

He said test production was in progress with a skeleton workforce of 50 men adding that after its completion, the workforce would be increased to between 300 and 400. Haulage of clinker, the main raw material from the Tabligbo Mines in Togo by road through the Aflao border began 12 days ago.

Mr Badu said the construction of a rail line for the haulage of clinker from Tabligbo to the factory would be constructed "at all cost." At present, the company is putting finishing touches to the structures of the administration block.

Mr Badu described the Ghanaian market for cement as "enterprising", adding that the company was exploring other areas to enhance marketing of its products. The company currently sells about 50,000 tonnes of cement to the Ghanaian public.