The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has announced that the price of sachet water will remain unchanged following the suspension of a planned increase that was set to take effect on Monday, April 6, 2026.
In a press release, the Ministry commended the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) for cooperating to halt the adjustment.
“This decision reflects our commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring market stability,” the Ministry said, assuring the public that “the price of sachet water will not increase today” and that consumers can continue to purchase at current rates.
The Ministry further disclosed that it will meet the leadership of the two associations on Wednesday, April 8, to address challenges within the sector and explore longer-term solutions.
The intervention follows growing concern over a proposed price hike attributed to rising production costs and global supply pressures.
However, consumer advocacy group CUTS International had earlier urged government action, warning against practices that could undermine competition.
“Consumers must benefit from competition. Some brands of sachet water can be sold for GHC 10, some for GHC 12. There is no point for the association to suggest prices at which members should retail their products,” Director of CUTS’ West Africa Regional Centre, Appiah Kusi Adomakoe said in a recent statement.
He further urged authorities to engage producers and delay any increases pending independent verification of cost claims. “The government can convene urgent stakeholder dialogues with producers to encourage deferral of the increase while costs are independently verified,” he noted.
CUTS also cautioned that, while intervention may be necessary to prevent “market failures like collusion,” it must not suppress healthy competition, which ultimately benefits consumers through price variation and choice.
