Mahama Commissions World’s Largest Calcined Clay Plant at Tema Free Zones Enclave

Editor: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah

The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has commissioned what is described as the world’s largest calcined clay production facility at the Tema Free Zones Enclave, marking a major milestone in the country’s industrialisation and sustainable manufacturing drive.

The facility, developed by Continental Blue Investment (CBI) Ghana Ltd., has the capacity to produce more than 400,000 tonnes of calcined clay annually, making it the largest industrial-scale flash calciner for clay globally. The commissioning ceremony took place on March 5, 2026.

Calcined clay is increasingly used in cement manufacturing as a partial substitute for clinker, significantly reducing carbon emissions in the production process while making use of locally available raw materials.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, who delivered a solidarity message at the event, praised CBI Ghana Ltd. for its commitment to innovation and environmentally sustainable manufacturing within the Free Zones enclave.

She said the investment places the Tema Free Zones Enclave at the forefront of sustainable cement production and reflects the growing attractiveness of the enclave to investors.

Dr. Awusi further disclosed that the enclave is currently fully occupied due to increasing investor interest. To address the growing demand for industrial space, she announced the development of a new industrial site at Afienya, which is expected to become Ghana’s first plug-and-play industrial zone, equipped with ready infrastructure to enable companies to begin operations quickly.

For her part, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the facility as a significant boost to Ghana’s manufacturing and construction sectors. She noted that the project aligns with government’s strategy of promoting value addition and strengthening domestic industrial capacity through the use of locally sourced raw materials.

In his keynote address, President Mahama described the commissioning as a landmark achievement for Ghana’s industrial and infrastructure development. He commended CBI Ghana Ltd. for investing in modern technology that supports sustainable construction and acknowledged the role of the Ghana Free Zones Authority in facilitating such investments.

The President also reiterated government’s commitment to revitalising the Tema Free Zones Enclave to strengthen its position as a modern export-oriented industrial hub.

Industry experts say the calcined clay plant could significantly transform Ghana’s cement production value chain. By partially replacing clinker with calcined clay, the technology can reduce the carbon footprint of cement production by up to 40 percent while maintaining product quality.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is also expected to promote the use of Ghana’s abundant clay resources, create employment opportunities and further strengthen the country’s industrial ecosystem.

Dr. Awusi was accompanied to the event by several officials of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, including Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration, Hamidu Sibiri Musah; Deputy CEO for Operations, Lateef Apau Wiredu; Director of Corporate Affairs, PR and Aftercare, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor; Director of Administration, Hajia Hanatu Abubakar; Director of the Tema Administrative Office, Lawrence Osi-Boateng; and Head of Estate, Zones and Application Processing, Benjamin Obeng, among others.