By Samuel Ohene NYANTAKYI
The GHACEM Cement Foundation (GCF), in a continued show of commitment to national development, has donated 10,000 bags to selected Schools and Hospitals in the Northern Sector of the country bringing to total over 725,060 bags of cement as a support package to critical infrastructural projects in Ghana’s education and health sectors since its establishment in 2002.
For 2024/2025 the foundation donated a total of 21,240 bags of cement to selected health and educational institutions in deprived communities in the Southern part (Central, Western, Western North, Volta, Oti, Eastern and Greater Accra Region) of the country whiles the Northern Sector (North East, Northern, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Brong East, Brong, Ahafo and Ashanti Region) received the estimated 10,000 bags.
The GCF was established by Ghacem in 2002 as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to assist deprived communities to improve their health and educational infrastructure.
Northern Sector donation ceremony
At the Northern Sector donation ceremony held last Monday, 19th May 2025 in Tamale, the Chairman of the Foundation, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, reflected on the motivation behind the foundation’s creation more than two decades ago.
“At the time companies came, paid their taxes, made their profits, and left there was no conscience behind corporate social responsibility, “But GHACEM broke that jinx. In 2002, they decided that beyond paying taxes and royalties, they had to give back to the very communities that support their business.”
Nana Prah revealed that the cost of the donations over the years has reached GH₵58 million, emphasizing that the gesture is not a publicity stunt but a serious moral responsibility by a company that deserves to be supported with a continuous patronage for the initiative to be sustained.
He however expressed concern over the regional disparities in donations, noting that while the southern regions keep applying for more cement, the Northern regions on the other hand bring in low request.
“It’s unacceptable that children are learning ABCs in sand, with no roof, in snake-infested structures we dare call classrooms,” he said passionately and appealed to District leaders and citizens alike to act as ambassadors for equity, urging them to apply for support and advocate for underserved communities.
A Vision for Sustainable Nation Building
On his part, Dr. Frank Huber, Managing Director of GHACEM, commended the foundation’s Council members and all stakeholders whose role has ensured the sustainability of the GCF over the years and reiterated the company’s commitment to do more in adding its quota to Ghana’s development.
“Today’s employees and customers ask deeper questions about purpose, ethics, sustainability,” Dr. Huber said. “And GHACEM is proud to lead with values that show we care not just about cement quality, but about people and planet.”
“It is in view of this that we announce the upcoming launch of a new eco-friendly cement product soon on the market which will feature significantly lower CO₂ emissions, one of the lowest globally marking a major stride in sustainable manufacturing in Ghana.
“Being a nation builder means more than just producing cement. It means treating workers fairly, producing responsibly, and giving back meaningfully.” Dr. Huber concluded.
Education and Health: The Twin Pillars of Development
Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, a Council Member of the Foundation, said “Education and health are the foundation of opportunity. A country with an educated, healthy population is a country with a future,”.
She urged communities, especially in the northern sector, to take full advantage of the program by submitting applications and spreading awareness about the foundation’s work. “This isn’t just charity, it’s a long-term investment in Ghana’s future. So use Ghacem cement, tell our story, and let’s build a better nation together.”
2025/2026 donation ceremony
Mr. Frank Antwi Agyapong, Head of the GCF Secretariat who doubles as the Lead, Marketing & PR at Ghacem, stated: “We’ve had a successful 2024/2025 with the GCF, ending this year on a very positive note.
Looking ahead to 2025/2026, we encourage more institutions to apply. Ghacem is a company that plans for the future and invests in the communities we serve. There is a dedicated allocation of cement available but only for those who apply. If no application is received, we assume there’s no need.
“We urge especially schools and hospitals to take advantage of this opportunity. Next applications will be opened in November 2025 so please apply and stand a chance to be selected.”
Mode of Application
Two (2) types of application exist: To rehabilitate an existing structure that needs work to be done and for new structures the community has reached lintel level that needs support.
Procedure includes: Original application letter from the Head of Institution (The Head Teacher/Master, Doctor-in Charge or Medical Assistant/Administration and Head Midwife). A Letter from the District Director of Education or Health.
A Letter from the DCE or any Senior Government Official or Chairman of the Town Development Council or head of religious institution. Two pictures of existing structures to be rehabilitated to be endorsed by the Director of Education/ Health and add expected completion time for project after cement has been donated. Applicants are to apply for one project at a time.
