The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has adequately put in place fervent preparations to mobilize one thousand Ghanaians consumers to picket at the premises of the Ministry of Trade in industry until government takes rapid steps to fast track the passage of the Comsumer Protection Bill into law.
The agency has noticed with keen interest that consumers have suffered from substanded goods, deceptive marketing exploitative pricing and other forms of unethical business conduct.
“The absence of consumer protection law in the country has contributed to a widespread and deliberate abuse of consumer right in the country, adding that the State has a binding duty to promote, protect and safeguard through the enactment of laws and enforcement” CPA vehemently said.
According to CPA, the fundamental role of government is to safeguard the right of citizens and ensure that consumers are protected from unfair practices that impact negatively on health, safety and financial well-being of the populace thus creating an avenue for unscrupulous businesses to exploit trade and consumers as a result of weak legal framework.
At a well attended news conference organized by Consumer Protection Agency in partnership with CUTS International Accra and Imani Africa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CPA, Mr.Kofi Kapito said the respective organizations are committed to advocating for the right and welfare of every Ghanaian consumer.
“Check since 2017 have revealed that the draft bill is still not in Parliament but rather in the office of the ministry of trade and Industry while the passage of other bills like National Petroleum Authority bill have been passed at the same year both were submitted in 2005”, he said.
“Ghanaians wants to know what is preventing the trade ministry from facilitating the draft bill to Parliament”, he said and asked if the ministry is engaging in bidding with some businesses by deliberately slowing the process.
He however explained that the passage of the bill will empower, protect and enhance the welfare consumers and prohibit also certain unfair practices which will compel government to establish the Consumer Protection Commission.
Report by Ben LARYEA
