The Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, Appiah Adomako Kusi has urged government to fast-track the passage of a competition and consumer protection framework, following concerns over recent price adjustments in the sachet water industry.
According to him, the latest developments expose critical gaps in Ghana’s regulatory regime, particularly in addressing anti-competitive practices and that introducing such law would help prohibit cartels, while establishing an independent authority to investigate, enforce compliance and impose sanctions where necessary.
His comments come after the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers announced an upward review of sachet water prices, set to take effect from April 6, 2026, citing rising production costs linked to global supply disruptions.
Mr Adomako Kusi cautioned that while business associations play important roles in industry coordination, unchecked collaboration among players could undermine consumer welfare, stressing that a well-functioning free-market economy depends on competition to determine prices and quality, rather than agreements that fix prices or restrict supply.
”It would also empower consumers and smaller businesses while allowing legitimate associations to advocate without crossing into collusion, and also boost investor confidence by signaling a rules-based market economy,” he said.
