Trade Ministry intervenes to stop sachet water price increase, talks set for Wednesday

The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has officially announced that the price of sachet water will remain unchanged, following the suspension of a previously planned price increase that was scheduled to take effect on Monday, April 6.

In a press statement issued by the Ministry, it praised the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) for their cooperation and responsiveness in halting the proposed adjustment. According to the Ministry, this decision reflects a strong sense of collaboration among stakeholders and a shared commitment to protecting consumers while ensuring stability within the market.

The Ministry further reassured the public that sachet water, which remains a widely consumed and essential commodity across the country, will continue to be sold at the current price, stressing that no increase has been implemented. This assurance is intended to ease concerns among consumers, particularly households that depend heavily on sachet water for daily use.

The government noted that the intervention forms part of broader efforts to cushion citizens against ongoing economic pressures and rising living costs, while maintaining affordability of basic necessities. By preventing the immediate price hike, authorities aim to reduce the financial burden on families and preserve access to safe drinking water.

To address underlying concerns within the sachet water production sector, the Ministry also disclosed plans to convene an urgent meeting with the leadership of GPMA and NASPAWAP on Wednesday, April 8. The meeting will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss key challenges affecting producers, including production costs, raw material pricing, and operational constraints.

Discussions are expected to focus on identifying practical and sustainable solutions that will support producers while avoiding disruptions to supply or sudden increases in prices. The Ministry emphasized that it remains committed to engaging closely with industry players to resolve concerns in a timely and balanced manner.

Reaffirming its position, the Ministry stated that it will continue to work collaboratively with trade associations and stakeholders to promote market stability, ensure fair pricing, and safeguard the interests of consumers across the country.