Ghanaians are dissatisfied with the increase in sachet water ((popularly known as pure water) prices that is scheduled to go into effect today, September 19, 2022.
On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) announced that the commodity will sell at 50 pesewas per sachet from today.
A section of the public who spoke to the Independent Ghana expressed shock over the news.
Kwame Ofori, a concerned Ghanaian, couldn’t fathom how the commodity, which was previously old at 20 pesewas and was subsequently increased to 30 and 40 pesewas, will now be sold at 50 pesewas.
“I was very worried when I heard the news because we are in difficult times. There are no jobs for us to earn an income and the price of water that we have to drink to
improve our living conditions has been increased. This is very bad for us. Our leaders are not helping and the entire citizenry are suffering,” he said.
Another citizen, David Addo, found the price increment outrageous.
He explained that: “I think it is quite outrageous because water is a bit outrageous because water is a basic commodity and everybody should be able to have access to it. Even if it’s not free, it should be affordable.
“So with the increment of prices I don’t think it’s a step in the right direction,” he added.
He, however, entreated the government to immediately take steps to forestall the said increment.
“Even if they can influence the prices of the duties on the raw materials water production companies so that at least the price could be reduced because some people cannot afford it,” he said.
Nana Poku, another citizen, who disclosed that he consumes about 10 sachets a day was not also happy about the development.
He noted that “increasing the price of the commodity is not the best, especially at this time, since water is a very basic commodity which should be accessible for all and very affordable.”
“You know, water is life and no one can do without it. So something must be done immediately about the prices,” he added.
Jonathan Mensah on the other hand, empathised with the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers over the decision.
According to him, the increment is justified, considering the high cost of living. He believes the Russia- Ukraine war is a major contributing factor to this development.
“The price of everything has increased and this is the result of the Russia Ukraine war which is having a toll on the whole world. So to me, it’s not surprising,” he said.
Pure sachet water is now 50 pesewas
The increase of pure water from 40 to 50 pesewas stems from a directive from the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers.
According to the Association, the cost of production is at an all time high due to the hike in fuel prices and the depreciation of the Ghana cedi.
In the last pricing window (which ended on August 31, 2022), the national average price per litre of petrol stood at GHC10.95, up from GHC10.58 in the previous window, representing a 3.50 per cent increase.
Diesel national average price per litre also stood at GHC 13.42 from a previous average of GHC 13.28, representing a 1.05 percent increase, according to data compiled by the Institute for Energy Security (IES).
Pure water, a basic commodity, has witnessed a 125% increase in price as a result of two upward adjustments within 10 months.
Before mid-December 2021, a sachet of water went for 20 pesewas. The price was increased by 100% to 40 pesewas by the
National Association of Sachet and Packaged.
Water Producers
In a statement dated December 24, 2021, the Association revealed that the review was due to “rising cost of inputs such as fuel, vehicle, spare parts and packaging materials which are mainly imported.”
“At our previous review, the Ghana Cedi to the dollar was in the region of GHC 4.50. Currently, it is inching up to GHC 6.50,” the statement added.
As mentioned by the Association, there was a slight variation in prices across the regions due to haulage to remote and distant areas across the country.
Some retail shops sold a sachet of pure water for 30 pesewas to have an urge over their competitors.
After 10 months, the Association has increased the price of a pure water sachet by 25%.
Henceforth, a bag of 500ml sachet water will now be sold at GHC 7 from the retail trucks, however, mini shops will retail the basic commodity at GHC 9 per bag.
A 500ml bottled water will be retailed at GHC 2, while a bottled water of 750ml or medium size, will be sold at GHC 3.00.
Meanwhile, the Association has once again cautioned members of the general public that there might be slight variations in prices across the regions due to haulage to remote and distant areas.
The upward adjustment comes at a time when the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has increased utility tariffs.
Electricity and water tariffs have risen by 27.15%, 21.55% respectively.
Source: The Independnet Ghana