Government is intensifying efforts toward local polymer sourcing as part of a broader strategy to reduce production costs and stabilise sachet water prices in Ghana.
The move follows the recent suspension of a planned price increase by sachet water producers and comes ahead of a crucial meeting between the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and industry stakeholders scheduled for Wednesday.
Officials say the focus is not only on addressing immediate pricing concerns but also on building long-term resilience within the sector by reducing reliance on imported raw materials.
Ministry Moves Swiftly to Protect Consumers
Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Industrial Development at the Ministry, Kofi Addo, said authorities acted promptly after receiving notice of the proposed price hike.
“Last week, we had the message that this increment was coming on board. And as a ministry, for the protection of our consumers and to ensure price stability in the environment, we quickly started the engagement with the manufacturers and producers.”
According to him, the government’s immediate priority was to maintain market stability while engaging all stakeholders to understand the underlying causes of rising costs.
“We are having this meeting to understand the issues that led to the increment… so that when we come out with the solution, everybody will be happy along the value chain.”
Push for Local Raw Materials
A key component of the government’s strategy is to explore domestic production or sourcing of polymers, the primary input in sachet water packaging.
Kofi Addo indicated that discussions are already underway with players across the value chain to identify opportunities for local supply.
“As a ministry, we are much, much concerned about feeding the industry with available raw materials… we are speaking to other people who are in the value chain to see if we can have locally available polymers.”
Officials believe that reducing dependence on imported polymers could significantly lower production costs and shield the industry from global supply shocks linked to geopolitical tensions.
Regulatory Reforms in Focus
Beyond raw material sourcing, the Ministry is also working to strengthen consumer protection and competition frameworks within the sector.
Kofi Addo revealed that efforts are ongoing to finalise key legislative instruments, including the Consumer Protection and Competition Bill, to ensure fair pricing and market transparency.
“The ministry is working on these two important documents to make sure that they are completed on time to support the issues that you have raised.”
Authorities are optimistic that a combination of local input development and improved regulation will provide a sustainable solution to pricing challenges.
With stakeholder consultations set to continue, the government aims to strike a balance between protecting consumers and ensuring the long-term viability of sachet water producers in an increasingly volatile global market.
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