CDA Consult announces regional rollout of ‘Verify Before You Buy’ campaign in November

The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) has announced plans for the regional rollout of its flagship consumer empowerment and protection initiative, dubbed “The Trust Economy – Verify Before You Buy.”

The Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, has been selected to host the maiden regional engagement in the third week of November 2026.

The initiative, being implemented in collaboration with state and non-state actors, including regulators, manufacturers, dealers and law enforcement agencies, seeks to complement existing efforts to curb the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard products on the Ghanaian market.

A member of the Board of Directors of CDA Consult, Dr Chris Kpodar, disclosed this in an interview with Modern Ghana News, describing the campaign as a timely response to the growing losses suffered by consumers through counterfeit products, misleading advertisements, digital loan scams and unverified services.

Dr Kpodar, who is also Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Investment Ghana Limited, said the consequences went beyond financial losses, arguing that such practices eroded trust in the marketplace, damaged the reputation of legitimate businesses and weakened consumer confidence.

“Regulatory institutions cannot address this challenge alone. Businesses that operate with integrity cannot remain silent, and consumers need practical tools, not just warnings, to make informed purchasing decisions,” he stated.

He explained that the campaign was conceived to equip consumers with practical knowledge, verification tools and accessible reporting channels to help them make informed decisions before purchasing products or services.

According to Dr Kpodar, the initiative would go beyond conventional awareness creation by combining consumer education, market activations, media engagements, stakeholder collaboration and institutional partnerships.

He said the first phase of the campaign would run for two years and cover all 16 regional capitals as well as 60 selected district capitals.

A second phase would subsequently focus on consolidating the gains and promoting a nationwide culture of product verification and responsible purchasing.

Dr Kpodar said the Koforidua activation would include stakeholder workshops, market and shopping mall engagements with traders and consumers, distribution of car stickers and other promotional materials, as well as extensive media activities.

He said participating partners would also have the opportunity to promote their products, increase brand visibility and explore new business opportunities.

“This is a pro-trust campaign that distinguishes credible brands from bad actors while providing responsible companies with a platform to demonstrate leadership, strengthen consumer confidence, and promote ethical commerce,” he added.

Public urged to verify products before purchase

The Executive Director of CDA Consult, Mr Francis Ameyibor, urged consumers to take deliberate steps to establish the authenticity of products before making purchases.

He said the campaign was aimed at increasing public awareness of the health, safety and economic risks associated with counterfeit goods.

Mr Ameyibor acknowledged the difficulties involved in stopping the influx of fake products solely through border controls, arguing that consumers themselves had an important role to play in tackling the problem.

“Our only option is the power of purchase. You have a clear choice to either buy fake goods or go in for the genuine ones. Hence the urgent need for holistic public education, and we must join forces to sanitize the Ghanaian market,” he stated.

He said stakeholders could no longer remain passive in the fight against counterfeit electrical products and electronic appliances and called for stronger collaboration among manufacturers, importers, retailers, the media and consumer groups.

Mr Ameyibor reaffirmed CDA Consult’s commitment to developing what he described as a dynamic and smart advocacy campaign capable of protecting lives, safeguarding investments, rewarding responsible businesses and strengthening consumer confidence in Ghana’s marketplace.

   Comments0