PEF to set up framework code of practice for businesses

The Private Enterprise Foundation (PEF), a private sector development and advocacy think-tank, is to set up a framework code of practice for consumer protection, for Ghanaian business enterprises.

The code is designed to lay the foundation for a truly meaningful and beneficial relationship between Ghanaian businesses and consumers.

It is also intended to contribute to improving the competitiveness of businesses in the country, in this era of globalisation.

Speaking at a stakeholders' workshop on incorporating consumer protection issues into good business practice of enterprises in Accra, the President of Consumers Association of Ghana, Dr. Ferdinand Tay, hinted that although Ghana does not have a consumer protection law which recognizes and provides comprehensive protection of the rights, interests and welfare of consumers, several pieces of legislation contain provisions relevant to the protection of the interests, health and safety of consumers.

These he mentioned, include the Sales of Goods Act, 1962, General Labeling Rules, 1992 and Protection against Unfair Competition Act, 2000.

Dr. Tay added that these pieces of legislation regulate the interaction between businesses and consumers, and in line with section 7 of the UN Guidelines, all enterprises are enjoyed to obey the relevant laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate.

Touching on the draft framework consumer code of practice, he stressed that the code would provide Ghanaian businesses with acceptable standards of business behaviour in their dealings and relations with their customers, in order to enhance the international competitiveness of businesses in Ghana.

In his welcoming address, the Director General of PEF, Dr. Osei Boeh-Ocansey, was happy to say that the code would improve relationship between businesses and consumers in the country, and urged companies to provide quality products and services to Ghanaians.