Ghana’s Consumer Protection Bill Stalls, Raising Concerns Over Market Practices
Ghana’s long-awaited Consumer Protection Bill continues to languish in bureaucratic limbo, nearly two decades after its initial draft, raising concerns about consumer rights and market practices in one of West Africa’s largest economies.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has held power since 2017, promised in its 2016 election manifesto to facilitate the passage of a Consumer Protection Law. However, almost eight years into their administration, the bill has yet to reach Parliament, according to Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director for CUTS International.
“The absence of Consumer Protection Law in the country has contributed to the widespread and deliberate abuse of consumer rights,” Adomako stated in a recent article he wrote for publication. He pointed to practices such as retailers displaying “goods sold are not returnable” signs as evidence of substandard products flooding the market.
The delay has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some observers noting that other complex legislation has successfully passed during the same period. The situation has led to comparisons with industrial processes, with Adomako remarking, “It took Boeing about eight years from the launch to the first delivery of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner… Clearly, the 18 years that it has taken Ghana to get the Consumer Protection Bill passed into law is not acceptable.”
Industry insiders suggest that the bill’s passage could significantly reshape Ghana’s retail landscape. The proposed legislation would establish a Consumer Protection Commission and provide a framework for consumer rights and fair business practices, potentially impacting both domestic and international businesses operating in the country.
With Ghana’s 2024 general election approaching, time is running short for the current Parliament to act on the bill. The Ministry of Trade and Industry faces mounting pressure to expedite the process, as the window for legislative action narrows.
The prolonged delay in implementing consumer protection measures could have broader economic implications. As Ghana seeks to position itself as a hub for West African trade, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, the lack of robust consumer protection laws may deter potential investors and trading partners.
As the clock ticks down on the current legislative session, all eyes are on the Ministry of Trade and Industry to see if Ghana’s long-awaited Consumer Protection Bill will finally make its way to Parliament, or if consumers will have to wait for yet another administration to address their concerns.
