Accra: The cost of sachet water, an essential for many Ghanaian households, is once again under scrutiny, as the government moves to prevent a potential price hike.
According to Ghana Web, the Ministry of Trade and Industry is exploring the use of locally sourced raw materials to reduce production costs and stabilize prices, while supporting producers facing rising expenses. Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show on Monday, April 6, Kofi Addo, Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Industrial Development at the Ministry, said the government acted swiftly after signals of an impending price increase.
Addo stated that last week the ministry received information about the potential price increase and initiated discussions with manufacturers and producers to protect consumers and ensure price stability. The government's immediate priority is to engage all stakeholders in the production chain to maintain price stability.
A key meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with manufacturers and producers to address the drivers of the anticipated price hike, particularly rising input costs. The meeting aims to bring together all players in the value chain to resolve issues collaboratively.
At the core of the challenge is Ghana's reliance on imported raw materials, especially polymers used in sachet production, which have become more expensive due to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Addo mentioned that the government is exploring local alternatives to reduce dependency on imports.
Policy reforms are underway to strengthen competition and improve pricing, with the ministry working on important documents to support these issues. Addo also cited global conflicts and disruptions to shipping routes as external pressures affecting the economic environment and contributing to the price increase.
Despite these challenges, Addo assured that the government will ensure access to affordable inputs, either by sourcing them locally or securing competitive import prices. The Ministry also plans to engage the Bank of Ghana over the refusal by some traders to accept lower-denomination coins.