The price of sachet water will remain unchanged following the suspension of a planned increase that was expected to take effect on Monday, April 6, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has announced.

In a press statement, the ministry, led by Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, commended the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers for halting the proposed price adjustment.

The ministry described the move as a demonstration of commitment to consumer protection and market stability.

It assured the public that consumers can continue to purchase sachet water at the current price, emphasizing that no increase has taken effect.

The ministry said the intervention is intended to cushion households and maintain affordability amid economic pressures.

Government also indicated that it is considering sourcing raw materials locally as part of efforts to stabilise sachet water prices and address rising production costs.

A meeting scheduled for Wednesday will bring together manufacturers and producers to discuss challenges driving the proposed increase, particularly production costs.

Addressing concerns about reliance on imported raw materials, including polymers used in sachet production, Mr Addo said the government is exploring local alternatives.

“As a ministry, we are very concerned about feeding the industry with available raw materials. In fact, that has been our mandate since the government took over,” he said.

“So what we are doing right now is speaking to other stakeholders in the value chain to see if we can have locally available polymers, which are the main ingredients in sachet production.”