The price of sachet water, a daily essential for millions of Ghanaians, is expected to surge to GH¢15 per bag in the coming days, raising fresh concerns about the cost of living across the country.
Producers and distributors say the anticipated increase is being driven by a combination of rising production costs, including higher electricity tariffs, fuel prices, and the cost of raw materials such as plastic packaging. According to industry players, the situation has become unsustainable, forcing many operators to adjust prices to stay in business.
“We are struggling to keep up with the cost of production,” a sachet water producer in Accra said. “From water treatment to packaging and transportation, everything has gone up. If we don’t increase prices, many of us will have to shut down.”
The development is expected to hit low- and middle-income households the hardest, as sachet water remains the most accessible source of drinking water for many communities. For street vendors and small businesses, the increase could also reduce sales and profit margins.
Consumers have already begun expressing frustration over the potential hike, with many calling on the government to intervene. Some argue that water, being a basic necessity, should be protected from frequent price increases.
“We depend on sachet water every day,” a commuter in Accra lamented. “If the price goes to GH¢15, how are ordinary people supposed to cope?”
Industry associations are urging authorities to provide relief measures, including tax reductions on production inputs and improved access to affordable utilities, to help stabilize prices.
The expected increase comes at a time when Ghanaians are already grappling with high living costs, sparking fears that the new price could further strain household budgets and deepen economic hardship.
Story By: Eric Boateng
