Millions of Ghanaians will continue to pay the same price for sachet water after government intervention halted a planned price increase. This decision followed high-level talks in Accra. The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has received widespread praise for successfully negotiating with industry representatives to reverse the proposed hike and maintain current prices.
The agreement was reached during a closed-door meeting at the Ministry of Trade, where leaders of the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Sachet Water and Packaged Water Producers convened to address concerns over rising costs. The producers had previously announced a price increase due to pressures from global market conditions. However, after negotiations led by the minister, both sides agreed to retract the decision, which stakeholders have described as a significant relief for consumers.
President of the sachet water producers, Magnus Nunoo, called the outcome historic and credited the minister’s leadership for breaking the deadlock. “She worked for it and got it. She has put smiles on the faces of all of us,” he said, while also commending President John Dramani Mahama for appointing her at a critical time.
For many households, sachet water remains a daily necessity, and industry leaders say keeping prices stable is crucial. President of the plastic manufacturers association, Ebo Botwe, noted that nearly 37 million Ghanaians depend on sachet water.
He said his members had agreed to absorb the impact of rising global costs to avoid passing the burden on to consumers, expressing hope that the decision would support both businesses and the public. The minister, in response, thanked the industry players for their cooperation, describing the outcome as a reflection of improving economic stability.
“The gains made in the last 14 months are now being passed on to Ghanaians,” she said, adding that the government remains committed to creating a supportive environment for businesses to grow. She also acknowledged the contribution of Polimes Group in helping sustain the price stability.
Reaffirming the outcome, the minister stressed that prices across the supply chain remain unchanged. “Sellers, retailers and wholesalers will continue to charge the same prices,” she said. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ghana Standards Authority and the Ghana Revenue Authority, and also examined broader challenges within the sachet water industry. For now, consumers can expect no change at the point of purchase.
Source: Edward Acquah