There has been an upsurge of cement companies in Ghana, Kwaku Asomah- Cheremeh, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has revealed.

This, he said, has resulted in high demand for limestone in the country to produce clinker to make production and supply of cement affordable to Ghanaians.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh said the Government through the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) is intensifying limestone exploration in order to feed the cement industry.

He said: “The upsurge of cement factories in recent times, has led to the high demand for limestone in the Country to produce clinker to make production and supply of cement affordable to Ghanaians.

“In view of this, the Government through GGSA continues to intensify limestone exploration activities in the Mamprusi West District in order to feed the cement industry.

“Geological pitting by Ghana Geological Survey Authority in the Mamprusi West district has identified large limestone deposits in an area of about 15,000 acres suitable for clinker production.”

He added: “The exploration companies continue to depend on the Government for up to date regional geoscience information for effective exploration activities and efficiency as well as in decision making in acquisition of mineral concession.

“In order to promote efficiency in mineral exploration in the country and attract more investors into the mining sub-sector, the Government through Ghana Geological Survey Authority has completed regional soil geochemical sampling covering an area of about 180,000 acres in Tumu to aid and enhance mineral exploration activities in the Upper West Region.”