What Ghanaian Construction Companies Should Know When Sourcing Materials Abroad

With Ghana’s rising demand for modern infrastructure and real estate development, more construction companies are looking beyond local borders to source high-quality, cost-effective materials such as steel, cement additives, tiles, glass, and equipment from international markets.

However, sourcing materials abroad comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. To make informed and profitable decisions, construction companies must understand the key factors that affect international procurement, from supplier reliability to logistics, currency fluctuations, and compliance with local regulations.

Here’s what every Ghanaian construction company should know when sourcing materials abroad.

1. Understand Your Material Specifications and Standards

Before you even begin the sourcing process, clearly define the specifications, grades, and standards of the materials you need. Different countries have varying quality benchmarks, for example, steel grades used in Europe may differ from those produced in Asia.

Ghana’s construction industry is regulated by standards set by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and international benchmarks like ISO and ASTM. Importing materials that don’t meet these standards can lead to project delays, safety issues, or even financial loss if materials are rejected during inspections.

Always request material data sheets, test certificates, and compliance documentation before finalizing any order.

2. Choose Reliable and Transparent Suppliers

One of the biggest risks in sourcing abroad is dealing with unreliable suppliers. A low price can be tempting, but it can also come at the cost of poor quality or delayed shipments.

Do thorough background checks on potential suppliers. Look for companies with verified trade licenses, positive reviews, and export experience to Africa. It is often better to work with suppliers who already have an established record of exporting to Ghana or the ECOWAS region.

You can also request product samples or visit the supplier’s facilities if your budget allows.

3. Understand Import Regulations and Compliance Requirements

Every product entering Ghana is subject to import regulations. Construction companies must ensure that all imported materials meet customs and quality control requirements to avoid penalties or confiscations.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Division, and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) oversee import certification, while certain materials like electrical cables, cement, or roofing sheets require conformity assessment before clearance.

Always check the current import duty rates, VAT, and ECOWAS levies applicable to your materials. Working with a licensed clearing agent like RS Lantern can also simplify customs documentation and compliance.

4. Plan for Shipping, Logistics, and Lead Times

Shipping delays are a common challenge in international trade. Depending on the origin, materials could take 4 to 10 weeks to reach Ghana. Add potential delays from port congestion, customs clearance, or global supply chain disruptions.

Compare freight options — Sea freight is cheaper for bulk materials, while air freight works for smaller, urgent orders. Always factor in insurance and inland transportation to your project site.

Build a strong relationship with a reputable freight forwarder or logistics partner like RS Lantern who understands both international and local shipping regulations.

5. Consider Currency and Payment Risks

Foreign exchange fluctuations can affect your total cost of importation. If you’re paying suppliers in USD, EUR, or CNY, sudden depreciation of the cedi can inflate your costs overnight.

To manage this, consider negotiating contracts in stable currencies or using forward exchange contracts through your bank. Establish clear payment terms such as Letter of Credit (LC) or Escrow payments to protect your company from fraud or non-delivery.

6. Evaluate Total Cost, Not Just Unit Price

A common mistake in sourcing abroad is focusing solely on the price per unit. True costs include transportation, customs duties, warehousing, quality inspection, and potential wastage. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive supplier with better logistics or consistent quality can save more money in the long run.

Create a detailed cost breakdown to ensure that your landed cost (the total cost of goods upon arrival in Ghana) aligns with your project budget.

7. Leverage Technology for Procurement Efficiency

Modern construction companies are embracing digital procurement tools to simplify sourcing. Platforms that offer supplier management, order tracking, and automated payments can help reduce errors and improve transparency.

You can also use online project management systems to coordinate delivery timelines with your construction schedule, ensuring materials arrive when needed, not too early to cause storage issues or too late to delay work.

8. Think Long-Term By Build Sustainable Partnerships

Successful sourcing isn’t just about one-time purchases, it is about building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with trusted suppliers. Reliable international partners can provide better credit terms, priority delivery, and access to new materials or technologies.

For Ghanaian construction firms aiming to grow regionally, establishing a network of global partners also enhances credibility and competitiveness in large-scale projects.