The weakening of the cedi versus international currencies, according to the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA), is to blame for the rise in bottled water and sachet water costs.

0

Ebo Botwe, President of the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association, said during an interview on Morning Starr with Francis Abban that the depreciation of the Cedi has caused a slight increase in the price of their raw materials of between 20 and 30 percent."We import all of our raw materials, and this has somewhat increased. The dollar exchange rate is ultimately important.

1

We may purchase the raw materials regardless of how high the dollar price rises because of the exchange rate. Aside from that, the expense of local content has also skyrocketed. Actually, it has gotten out of hand."I believe that the government should be in charge of figuring out how to stable the currency.There is nothing we can do, and as businesspeople, we need to continue operating at least to break even.

2

As a result, we will need to modify pricing as and when the dollar increases, said Mr. Botwe.He continued: “The prices of plastic have gone up marginally but the dollar a few months ago, where we were and where are we now with the dollar. It has to do much more with the foreign exchange.”BackgroundSachet water and bottled water prices are expected to go up today Monday, September 19, 2022.

3

The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (Naspawap) in a statement said the adjustment is to help producers cover their production costs, on the back of the increasing cost of raw materials, fuel, and the cedi’s depreciation.

4

Iced sachet water will cost 50 pesewas, iced bottled water in quantities of 500ml or smaller will be offered for 2ghc, and iced bottled water in quantities of 750ml or larger will cost 3ghc.Additionally, a bag of 500ml by 30 sachet water will now be sold from the retail trucks for 7ghc.A bag of sachets will now be sold at mini stores for 9GHC each bag."We recognize the struggles that our customers face in dealing with these struggles.

5

We want everyone to be patient with us, the statement said.

6