Ghanaians will continue to buy sachet water at current prices after the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry stepped in to halt a planned price adjustment that was set to take effect Monday, April 6.
The Ministry announced in a press release that the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) have agreed to suspend the planned increase, describing the decision as a reflection of the government’s commitment to consumer protection and market stability.
“The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry wishes to commend Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) for their cooperation and suspending the planned price adjustment that was to take effect today,” the statement read.
The Ministry moved swiftly to reassure the public, stating categorically that “the price of sachet water will not increase today. Consumers can continue to purchase sachet water at the current price”.
The development comes at a particularly sensitive time for Ghanaian households, who are already grappling with rising fuel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
A simultaneous hike in sachet water — a daily staple for millions of Ghanaians across all income levels — would have added further strain to already stretched household budgets.
The Ministry has scheduled a high-level meeting for Wednesday, April 8 with the leadership of both associations to urgently address the underlying challenges facing the sector that had necessitated the proposed price adjustment.
“The Ministry remains steadfast in working with all Trade Associations to resolve issues swiftly and maintain stability in the market,” the statement added.
The intervention signals the government’s determination to keep a lid on the cost of essential commodities amid broader inflationary pressures, even as it simultaneously works to manage the fallout from surging petroleum prices.
The public has been urged to take note that today’s prices remain unchanged and to report any attempts by vendors to sell sachet water above the current approved price.