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CLAIM: A Facebook user, Michael M. McQuaim, claims that a bag of sachet water now costs GH¢15 in Ghana.
VERDICT: FALSE! The claim misrepresents the current state of sachet water pricing. While the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) announced a proposed maximum retail price of GH¢15 on April 2, 2026, the government suspended implementation on April 6 before it took effect.
FULL TEXT
Facebook user Michael McQuaim in a post that generated over 20 comments and reactions, claimed that “a bag of sachet water is now 15 cedis.”
The wording suggested that a new nationwide price had already taken effect, creating the impression that a confirmed market price change had occurred.
Without context or a source, many readers could easily interpret the statement as a factual update affecting all consumers.
This was significant because sachet water is a basic necessity for many households, especially in areas without reliable tap water.
His claims come on the back of a statement by the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) announcing recommended prices for a bag of sachet water: GH¢8 ex-factory, GH¢10 ex-truck, and a maximum retail price of GH¢15.
Screenshot of the announcement by the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP)
NASPAWAP attributed the proposed adjustments to rising production costs driven by global polymer shortages and disruptions in crude oil supply linked to conflicts in Iran.
VERIFICATION
DUBAWA investigated the claim by examining statements from the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP), government policy responses, and the on-the-ground market situation.
The Announcement (April 2, 2026)
On April 2, 2026, the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) announced new recommended prices for a bag of 30 sachets of 500ml water. The association set the ex-factory price at GH¢8, the ex-truck price at GH¢10, and a maximum retail price of GH¢15 per bag.
NASPAWAP attributed the proposed adjustment to a global shortage of polymers (the materials used to make plastic sachets) and rising production costs linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has disrupted crude oil supply and increased petroleum-derived material costs.
Government Suspension (April 6, 2026)
On April 6, 2026, the very date the price increase was scheduled to take effect, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry intervened.
An official statement from the Ministry of Trade halting the price increment.
The Ministry confirmed that the price of sachet water would remain unchanged, following the suspension of the proposed adjustment. In an official statement, the Ministry stated: “The price of sachet water will not increase today. Consumers can continue to purchase sachet water at existing prices.”
The Ministry also announced plans to meet with industry stakeholders on April 8 to address the sector’s challenges and find lasting solutions. The Ministry commended the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and NASPAWAP for their cooperation in suspending the adjustment, describing the decision as reflecting “our commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring market stability.”
CONCLUSION
The claim that “a bag of sachet water is now 15 cedis” is FALSE.
The facts are clear: NASPAWAP announced a proposed maximum retail price of GH¢15 on April 2, 2026, citing rising production costs. On April 6, 2026, before the increase could take effect, the government suspended implementation. Consumers continue purchasing sachet water at existing prices.
