Despite promises dating back to 2016, Ghana’s Consumer Protection Bill remains stalled, drawing criticism for its prolonged delay.
The bill, aimed at safeguarding consumer rights and addressing market abuses, has languished in the Ministry of Trade and Industry without progressing to Parliament.
Advocates stress the pressing need for the bill’s passage, as it will establish a robust legal framework that promotes fair business practices, protects consumers, and enhances market transparency.
With growing concerns over substandard goods and unfair practices, stakeholders urge swift legislative action before the parliamentary session ends.
Since the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ‘s 2016 manifesto promised to enact a Consumer Protection Law, Ghanaian consumers have anxiously awaited legislative action to safeguard their rights and address market abuses.
However, nearly eight years later, the Consumer Protection Bill remains conspicuously absent from Parliament, prompting shared frustration and concern among consumer advocates and stakeholders.
Since its inception, the bill has gathered dust on the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) mahogany desks. It represents a critical step towards establishing a comprehensive legal framework to protect consumers from inferior quality goods, products, and services.
Despite being listed among bills slated for parliamentary review since 2017, it has consistently failed to advance through the legislative process.
Consumer rights advocates decry the slow progress, noting that the absence of a Consumer Protection Law has perpetuated widespread abuses and undermined consumer confidence in the marketplace.
Businesses continue to defy standards, selling goods that are not fit for purpose and denying consumers the right to return faulty products, further exacerbating the problem.
“The delay in passing the Consumer Protection Bill is discouragingly disheartening and pathetic,” lamented Appiah Adomako, reflecting the sentiment of many Ghanaians affected by substandard goods and unfair business practices.
He pointed out that while other legislative bills from various ministries swiftly progress through Parliament, the Consumer Protection Bill remains stalled, undermining efforts to enhance consumer welfare and market efficiency.
When enacted, the bill promises to empower consumers, promote fair and transparent market practices, and effectively establish mechanisms to address unfair business practices.
It includes provisions to establish a Consumer Protection Commission, an independent regulatory body, tasked with enforcing consumer rights and ensuring compliance with fair trade practices. This commission would play a crucial role in protecting consumers and maintaining market integrity.
The potential socio-economic impact of the bill’s passage underscores the urgency for legislative action.
The bill’s passage would not only bolster consumer confidence but also stimulate economic growth by fostering a more competitive and equitable business environment. This, in turn, could lead to increased consumer spending and investment, contributing to Ghana’s economic development.
Efforts to expedite the bill’s passage have included advocacy campaigns and petitions, such as the 2018 CUTS-led initiative and the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), which garnered over 20,000 signatures urging the Executive to prioritize the bill’s advancement.
As Parliament prepares for its upcoming session, stakeholders urge the MOTI and legislative leaders to prioritize the Consumer Protection Bill.
They argue that swift action is essential to prevent further delays and ensure that Ghanaian consumers receive the long-overdue legal protections promised by successive administrations.
Consumer rights advocates emphasized, “With Parliament set to reconvene soon, there is a narrow window of opportunity to move the Consumer Protection Bill forward.”
They warn that failure to act now risks prolonging consumer vulnerability and perpetuating market abuses for another legislative term.
In conclusion, the Consumer Protection Bill is not just a critical legislative measure, but a pressing need to safeguard Ghanaian consumers from exploitation and ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient marketplace. Its passage is a matter of legal necessity and a moral imperative to uphold fundamental consumer rights and promote sustainable economic development.
