Parents are struggling with the increasing costs of water bottles as schools reopen, with prices ranging from GH₵35 to GH₵150 due to supply chain issues, rising import costs, and cedi depreciation.
As schools across the country reopen for a new academic term, parents are battling with the steep rise in the cost of water bottles, a staple item on most school supply lists.
Prices now range between GH₵35 to GH₵150, with variations depending on size and location. Vendors in urban areas like Accra and Kumasi report the highest prices, citing increased demand and supply chain challenges as key factors driving the surge.

In areas such as Osu, East Legon, and Kumasi’s Adum district, parents have expressed frustration over what they describe as exploitative pricing. Smaller water bottles, suitable for kindergarten pupils, sell for around GH₵ 35, while larger, insulated bottles that can keep water cold throughout the day are priced at GH₵ 150 or more. In rural towns, prices are slightly lower, but still notably higher than last year.
The price hikes are partly attributed to the rising cost of imported goods and the depreciation of the cedi, which has made procurement expensive for retailers. Local manufacturers have also adjusted their prices to match increased production costs, including raw materials and energy tariffs.
Despite these challenges, demand remains high, with many parents left with no choice but to pay the elevated prices.
Market vendors interviewed at Makola Market and Kejetia expressed mixed reactions. While some sympathized with parents and reduced their profit margins, others maintained that the current pricing reflects unavoidable market dynamics.
“We buy these bottles at higher prices from suppliers, and we have to make a living too,” said Naa Amerley, a shop owner at Makola told SKB Journal.
Some Parents have taken to social media to vent their frustrations, with some calling for government intervention to regulate prices on school essentials.
Others have resorted to purchasing second-hand bottles or seeking alternatives, such as reusing bottles from previous terms.
Despite their best efforts, many families are feeling the financial strain, especially those with multiple school-going children.