CPA marks 20 years without consumer protection law in Ghana, urges passage of bill by December

The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has renewed calls on the President and Parliament to pass Ghana’s long-awaited Consumer Protection Bill before the end of 2026, warning that the absence of a comprehensive law continues to leave consumers vulnerable to unfair business practices, substandard products and poor services.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, to mark its 20th anniversary, the agency described the failure to enact the legislation, first drafted in 2006, as the country’s biggest setback in protecting consumer rights.

The CPA said the bill remained at the Ministry of Trade and Industry despite years of advocacy, petitions, national forums and stakeholder engagements aimed at securing its passage.

It warned that the lack of a dedicated legal framework had become particularly concerning amid the growth of e-commerce and the circulation of fake, unregistered and inferior products on the Ghanaian market.

The agency called for the passage of the bill and the establishment of a well-funded Consumer Protection Authority with the mandate and resources to enforce consumer rights and hold businesses accountable.

Founded and funded by Kofi Kapito in 2006, the CPA was launched by the late Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama to provide consumers with a platform to seek redress over goods and services.

Over the past two decades, the agency has campaigned against poor telecommunications services, called for sanctions against underperforming operators and advocated the use of fines imposed on them to fund consumer education.

It also organised what it described as Ghana’s first Off Phone Day protests against telecommunications companies over poor service delivery.

In the retail sector, the CPA campaigned against the use of “olonka” and other unapproved measuring containers in markets, advocating certified weighing scales to protect consumers from unfair measurements.

The agency said it had also worked with regulatory bodies, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), on initiatives to improve product safety and consumer welfare.

Over four million fake diapers removed from market

The CPA cited its interventions against fake and unregistered baby diapers as one of its notable achievements, claiming that more than four million pieces had been removed from the Ghanaian market through enforcement activities.

It also highlighted its involvement in addressing complaints about sanitary towels, saying the re-testing of registered products confirmed that they were safe for use.

The agency further listed its advocacy for reductions in electricity tariffs among its efforts to ease the burden on consumers.

It said fake, unregistered and substandard products continued to pose health and financial risks while threatening the survival of locally manufactured goods.

The CPA disclosed that it was collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to develop a policy to address the influx of such products into the country.

Agency establishes mediation and arbitration centre

The CPA identified its contribution to making consumer protection a national issue as one of its major achievements, noting that media organisations and other institutions increasingly seek its assistance in resolving consumer complaints.

It also announced the establishment of what it describes as Ghana’s first Consumer Arbitration and Mediation Centre, which provides an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for consumer-related disputes.

According to the agency, cases referred to the centre can be resolved within one month, potentially offering consumers a faster alternative to lengthy court proceedings.

Four demands to strengthen consumer protection

As part of its anniversary statement, the CPA outlined four key measures it wants the government to implement to strengthen consumer protection.

Pass the Consumer Protection Bill: The agency wants the President and Parliament to ensure the bill is passed before the end of 2026.

Establish a Consumer Protection Authority: It is calling for a well-funded institution with the capacity to enforce consumer rights and hold businesses accountable.

Standardise market measurements: The agency wants certified weighing scales adopted across markets to prevent unfair trading practices.

Tackle substandard imports: It is urging the development of a clear policy to curb the importation and circulation of fake, unregistered and inferior products.

The CPA also raised concerns about funding for its operations, saying its work over the years had depended largely on the resourcefulness of its chief executive officer and support from benevolent institutions.

It expressed appreciation to individuals and institutions that had supported its consumer advocacy work over the past 20 years.

The statement was issued by Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, Executive Director for Mediation and Arbitration at the CPA.