Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has expressed disappointment that the Consumer Protection Bill is notably absent from the list of bills slated for consideration during Parliament’s extraordinary session.
Parliament had earlier indicated that it would consider nine bills, including the Budget Bill 2023, Rent Bill 2023, and seven others spanning education, environment, social protection, and industry, excluding the Consumer Protection Bill.
Franklin Cudjoe lamented the prolonged delay in passing the Consumer Protection Bill, pointing out that Ghana first drafted the Consumer Protection and Competition Bill as far back as 2006, yet it remains unenacted.
Franklin Cudjoe pointed out that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had advised the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) to decouple consumer protection from competition issues, recommending instead that two distinct bills be drafted to address each area separately.
“In 2009, Cabinet requested that the Consumer Protection Policy be developed first before the Bill could be considered at Cabinet. Subsequently, around 2013, the Consumer Protection Bill was developed and launched. In 2016, work was done on the Consumer Protection Bill to make it ready for Parliament through Cabinet. It went to Parliament, but it could not get passed”.
“In 2016, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), then in opposition promised in their 2016 Manifesto ‘to protect Ghanaians from inferior quality goods, products, and services, we will facilitate the passage of a Consumer Protection Law.’ (Page 31 of the NPP 2016 Manifesto)”.
Franklin Cudjoe
Additionally, Franklin Cudjoe observed that when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took office in 2017, they inherited the draft bill and subsequently commissioned a consultant to conduct a thorough review of the legislation.
He expressed frustration that despite being listed as a priority bill to be presented to Parliament since 2018, the Consumer Protection Bill has consistently failed to be tabled, including earlier this year when it was again listed but never actually presented.
Online Petition Garners 20,000 Signatures For Bill
According to Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI, in March 2018, CUTS and CPA initiated an online petition to draw the government’s attention to the Consumer Protection Bill, which garnered significant support with over 20,000 signatories.
He pointed out that after Hon. Alan Kyerematen’s departure from MOTI in 2023, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, who took over as Caretaker Minister, managed to resuscitate the dormant process and nearly succeeded in getting the bill laid before Parliament.
He pointed out that upon assuming office, Hon. K.T. Hammond identified certain structural problems with the draft Bill and instructed that the necessary revisions be made to rectify them.
Franklin Cudjoe expressed disappointment that, with the current Parliament’s tenure nearing its end in less than four months, the draft Bill remains stalled within the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), yet to be forwarded for consideration.
“In all, it has taken 18 years since the process started, five Parliaments and four presidents, yet the bill is still static. But the NPP can do better. In 2016, realizing the importance of Consumer Protection, the NPP 2016 Manifesto promised to protect Ghanaians from inferior quality goods, products, and services…”
Franklin Cudjoe
Franklin Cudjoe noted that once enacted, the Consumer Protection Act would safeguard and promote the well-being and interests of consumers, granting them enhanced rights and protections.
He pointed out that the Act will create a level playing field, promoting a marketplace that is fair, open, and transparent, and where consumers are protected from unfair practices.
Franklin Cudjoe further noted that the Consumer Protection Act will establish a comprehensive and effective framework for safeguarding consumer rights, outlawing deceptive practices, encouraging ethical business conduct, and fostering responsible consumer behavior.
He pointed out that the Act will empower consumers through improved awareness, education, and information, and will establish the Consumer Protection Commission to address consumer protection issues and related matters.
READ ALSO: The Philadelphia Movement Refutes Claims of CCG Against Leader
