The Tema United Cadres Front (TUCF) has expressed deep concern over the actions of some sachet water suppliers who have blatantly disregarded the directive to suspend the announced price increase of sachet water.
The TUCF, a wing of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, said during recent engagements with suppliers within the Tema Metropolis that prices of sachet water had already been increased.
The suppliers, however, could not clearly indicate the source of the directive, whether it originated from the leadership of the Sachet Water Producers Association or it was a unilateral decision by some suppliers.
As a direct consequence, some retailers in Tema sell a sachet of water for GH₵0.70 instead of the approved GH₵0.50, an arbitrary increase which is imposing cascading hardship on Ghanaians, and placing an additional burden on parents and low-income households.
This defiance, David Posh Aggrey, the Secretary of the Tema United Cadres Front, said is occurring at a time when the government has taken deliberate steps to reduce electricity tariffs, water tariffs and recently fuel prices to ease the cost of living.
Contained in the press release, he added, “Yet, some suppliers claim the government has not been fair to them,” a grievance we believe should be addressed through proper dialogue, not through unilateral actions that punish the public.
“If left unaddressed, this development is likely to have significant social and political repercussion, eroding public confidence and undermining ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy.”
David Posh, therefore, called on the leadership of the Sachet Water Producers Association to clarify its position and enforce compliance with the suspension directive.
Besides, he appealed to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and relevant regulatory bodies to intervene immediately to halt the unauthorised price hike.
Lastly, Mr Aggrey implored all suppliers and retailers to revert to the approved GH₵0.50 per sachet pending proper stakeholder engagement.
