Ghana needs legal instrument to empower consumers, says CPA

Ghana does not need a policy on consumer protection but a legislative instrument to empower the consuming public, says the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA).

Ghanaians are exposed to abuse by service providers due to lack of safety nets for consumers of financial, utility and telecommunication services in the delivery of public goods.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry is reported as saying a Consumer Protection Policy will soon be introduced to empower, protect and enhance the welfare of consumers.

But Chief Executive Officer of the CPA, Kofi Kapito, tells Luv Biz Report such policy already exists. What is important, he stated, is the promulgation of a law to strengthen the policy.

According to him, the Agency has reviewed the existing policy and drafted a legal instrument, which has been dispatched to the trade ministry for perusal.

“We feel that after reviewing, our legal framework is a major stronger document that if accepted and adopted would go a long way to strengthen the power of the consumer,” noted Mr. Kapito.

He, however, emphasized the need for existing regulatory institutions to efficiently assert their mandates in protecting consumer interest.

These include the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the National Communications Authority (NCA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC).

“Even the Municipal and District Assemblies also have an obligation to protect consumers,” Mr. Kapito added.