Berekum: Sachet Water producers in the Berekum Municipality of the Bono Region have defied government directives and increased the price of sachet water in the Municipality.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a market survey, it was discovered that the producers had increased the wholesale price from GH?6 to GH?8 per bag, with retailers selling it at GH?9 instead of GH?7. Mr. Kingsford Acquah, the General Secretary of the Berekum East Sachet Water Association, explained that the price hike was due to rising costs of raw materials.
He stated that although the government recommended halting the increment, the new price was essential to prevent their businesses from collapsing. Mr. Acquah emphasized that if the government wanted the producers to stop the increase, they must intervene to reduce raw material prices in the market.
Mr. Acquah also highlighted additional factors such as high electricity and utility bills, regulatory fees, packaging costs, and rising labor and distribution expenses that justified the price increase. He urged consumers to adapt to the changes and called on the government to address the escalating costs.
He concluded that until the cost of running the sachet water business is significantly reduced, the current rates will remain to ensure business sustainability in the Municipality.