CDA Consult launches ‘Verify Before You Buy’ campaign to protect consumers from counterfeit goods

The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) has launched a nationwide consumer protection campaign urging Ghanaians to prioritise product safety, quality and authenticity over low prices when making purchasing decisions.

Dubbed “Verify Before You Buy,” the initiative seeks to empower consumers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify genuine products while reducing the circulation of counterfeit, expired and substandard goods on the market.

Speaking during a media engagement in Tema, the Executive Director of CDA Consult, Francis Ameyibor, cautioned consumers against making purchases solely because of attractive prices, stressing that cheap products often come with hidden costs.

“The price of the product may attract you, but examine it carefully before you make a purchase,” he said. “Consumers should never feel pressured to buy. Always make smart purchasing decisions that include all the necessary checks and verification.”

According to Mr. Ameyibor, what appears to be a bargain can ultimately result in significant financial losses, health complications or even loss of life.

“A fake phone charger that costs GH¢10 can destroy a GH¢3,000 laptop. Cheap expired medicine may lead to expensive hospital bills, while a defective electrical cable can cost someone their life. That is not saving money; it is creating a much bigger cost,” he stated.

He explained that the advocacy campaign is designed to transform consumer behaviour by encouraging informed purchasing decisions rather than impulse buying.

The campaign also seeks to redefine responsibility for consumer protection by promoting shared accountability among consumers, retailers, regulators and law enforcement agencies. It aims to address the growing prevalence of counterfeit products, expired goods, falsely labelled items and other forms of consumer fraud across traditional markets and online platforms.

Mr. Ameyibor noted that the increasing availability of fake medicines, substandard electronic products, uncertified building materials and expired consumables underscores the urgent need to strengthen consumer awareness and product verification.

He argued that while low-priced products may appear attractive, the long-term costs associated with replacing faulty goods, treating health complications or repairing damaged property often outweigh the initial savings.

Beyond protecting individual consumers, he said the campaign also has broader national significance, as the widespread purchase of counterfeit products weakens local manufacturing, reduces government tax revenue and places additional pressure on regulatory institutions and healthcare facilities.

As part of the campaign, CDA Consult is encouraging consumers to adopt simple verification measures before making purchases. These include checking manufacturer details, batch numbers, manufacturing and expiry dates, and certification marks issued by regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Energy Commission.

Consumers are also being advised to request receipts and warranty information, research products before buying and question unusually low prices that appear too good to be true.

Mr. Ameyibor further urged members of the public to report suspected counterfeit or unsafe products to the FDA, GSA or the police to help strengthen enforcement efforts.

He said the campaign is particularly focused on high-risk product categories such as medicines, cosmetics, food items, electrical appliances, vehicle spare parts and construction materials, where poor-quality products can have serious consequences.

Calling for broader collaboration, Mr. Ameyibor appealed to market associations, educational institutions, media organisations, regulatory agencies and development partners to support the campaign through public education and awareness creation.

“Development is not only about major infrastructure projects. It is also about the everyday decisions people make. Choosing quality over shortcuts protects our families, supports legitimate businesses and contributes to building a safer economy,” he said.

He explained that the Verify Before You Buy initiative is built on four key pillars—education, awareness, action and protection—with regulators and law enforcement serving as the foundation for product verification and enforcement.

According to him, the campaign seeks to establish pre-purchase verification as a normal consumer practice while ensuring swift action against those involved in the sale of counterfeit and unsafe products.

“It is about equipping consumers with the knowledge, the tools and the confidence to verify product integrity before making a purchase. By doing so, we reduce harm, discourage fraud and raise standards across manufacturers, distributors and retailers,” he said.

Mr. Ameyibor expressed concern that many consumers fail to carry out even the most basic checks before purchasing products.

“Do not spend your hard-earned money on products that could endanger your health or safety. Sometimes a simple verification can save your life,” he stressed.

He reiterated that the Verify Before You Buy campaign is a comprehensive consumer empowerment initiative aimed at protecting the public, exposing fraudulent traders and creating a safer marketplace for everyone.

CDA Consult said the campaign remains open to partnerships with trade associations, consumer advocacy groups and development organisations interested in promoting a nationwide culture of product verification and consumer protection.