The Ministry of Trade and Industry Ghana is shifting focus toward long-term industrial solutions as it works to stabilise sachet water prices and reduce production costs.
Central to the new approach is a plan to source polymers—the primary raw material used in sachet water packaging—locally, in a bid to cut dependence on imports and shield the industry from global price fluctuations.
The move follows the suspension of a proposed price increase by water producers, after swift intervention by the Ministry to protect consumers and maintain market stability.
According to Kofi Addo, Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Industrial Development, the government is engaging key players across the value chain to identify sustainable solutions.
He noted that while the immediate priority is to prevent price hikes, the broader objective is to ensure consistent access to affordable raw materials for manufacturers.
A crucial meeting scheduled between the Ministry and industry stakeholders is expected to address the root causes of rising costs, including challenges in sourcing inputs and broader operational pressures within the sector.
Officials say the engagement will also pave the way for coordinated action, ensuring that any solutions adopted benefit both producers and consumers.
Beyond raw material sourcing, the government is also prioritising regulatory reforms. Efforts are underway to finalise key legislation, including the Consumer Protection and Competition Bill, aimed at strengthening oversight and promoting fairness within the market.
Authorities believe that combining local production of inputs with stronger regulation will not only stabilise sachet water prices but also enhance the resilience of the industry in the medium to long term.
