Manufacturers of sachet water packaging materials have called on the government to provide urgent support to sustain the industry, after deciding to maintain current prices despite escalating production costs.

The appeal was made by President of the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers’ Association, Ebbo Botwe, during a press conference held in Accra on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Mr. Botwe disclosed that producers had initially considered increasing prices due to the rising cost of polymers used in manufacturing sachet packaging. However, the association resolved to hold prices steady in recognition of sachet water as an essential commodity relied upon by millions of Ghanaians.

“We are incurring losses by maintaining the old prices, but given that sachet water is a basic necessity for over 33 million Ghanaians, we have chosen to absorb the shock in the national interest,” he stated.

He added that the decision to maintain current prices would remain in effect for at least one to two months, despite mounting financial pressure on manufacturers.

Mr. Botwe expressed hope that the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry would relay the industry’s concerns to the President, with a view to securing relief measures to cushion producers.

The association further indicated that the move is expected to ease pressure on sachet water producers and help stabilise prices for consumers in the short term.

Kwahu, April 4, 2026 – President John Dramani Mahama has affirmed that political affiliation will not influence contract awards under his government’s flagship road rehabilitation initiative, the “Big Push.”

Speaking at the Kwahu Easter Business Forum at the Kwahu Convention Centre, the President said he resisted pressure from within his own National Democratic Congress (NDC) support base to exclude contractors perceived to be aligned with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“Don’t they have the capacity to do the job?” President Mahama asked, emphasizing that technical and financial competence—not political loyalty—remains the overriding criterion for project awards.

He added: “They have the equipment. They employ Ghanaians. Anybody who has the capacity to move the project should be given it. For me, it is not about who does the project. The credit is that at the end of my term of office, I was able to repair all those roads.”

The President described the Big Push initiative as a major national road rehabilitation programme expected to cover more than 2,000 kilometres of roads across Ghana. He warned that the politicisation of business has historically hampered private sector growth, particularly during government transitions.

“Many companies start and because Ghana is a democratic country, potentially every eight years there is a changeover in government. Often, if a business is seen to be associated with one party or another, victimisation begins,” he said.

President Mahama also advised entrepreneurs against building businesses solely around government contracts, noting that such models leave firms vulnerable to political shifts.

The issue of political neutrality in business was echoed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, through remarks delivered by MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib, who warned that politicising local enterprises undermines competitiveness, stifles innovation, and benefits foreign firms at the expense of indigenous businesses.

Now in its third edition, the Kwahu Easter Business Forum was established by President Mahama and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to foster dialogue on private sector growth and investment, bringing together entrepreneurs, bankers, heads of state-owned enterprises, and senior officials to strategize on expanding Ghana’s business landscape.

President John Dramani Mahama has called an emergency Cabinet meeting to address the sharp rise in fuel prices, as escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up global petroleum costs and impact Ghana’s economy.

Speaking on the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum 2026 on Saturday, April 4, the President said the high-level meeting would focus on identifying immediate and practical measures to cushion consumers from the effects of rising fuel prices.

“I have called for this emergency Cabinet meeting to decide on specific interventions to stabilise petroleum prices while we anticipate an end to the conflict. There are adjustments we can make, particularly within pricing margins, to help maintain relative stability,” he stated.

President Mahama reaffirmed government’s commitment to mitigating the impact on households and businesses, noting that Cabinet will undertake a comprehensive review of the fuel price structure and explore targeted relief options.

“The government remains fully committed to easing the burden on citizens. Cabinet will examine the various components of the fuel price build-up and consider interventions to provide relief,” he added.

Fuel prices have recorded significant increases since April 1, with petrol rising by approximately 15 per cent to about GH¢13.30 per litre, while diesel has surged by nearly 19 per cent to around GH¢17.10 per litre, according to figures from the National Petroleum Authority. The hikes—among the steepest in recent months—have been attributed largely to rising global crude oil prices and supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the broader Middle East.

Despite the developments, the President sought to reassure Ghanaians of the economy’s resilience. “I can confidently assure you that the economy will not collapse because of the war in Iran,” he said.

He also commended transport operators for maintaining current fares despite the rising cost of fuel, describing their restraint as crucial in preventing a broader increase in the cost of living.

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the transport unions for their patience and understanding. Although this situation was unforeseen, they have refrained from increasing fares, and I am confident they will continue to cooperate as we work to stabilise the situation,” he noted.

The latest fuel price adjustments have heightened concerns over inflation, particularly in transport and food costs, although relative stability in the cedi has helped to moderate the overall impact.

Government is reportedly considering a range of policy options, including adjustments to fuel margins and levies, as part of efforts to stabilise prices amid ongoing global uncertainty.