Ghana Will Soon Have A National Competition Law, ISSER

Ghana will soon have a National Competition Law that will serve the purposes of ensuring efficiency in the production of goods and services.

The law will enable consumers of products and services to enjoy lower prices, higher quality goods and services with variety of choices.

Dr Charles Ackah, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) announced this at the first meeting of a group called the National Reference Group to discuss issues involved in having a competition policy in Ghana.

The National Reference Group has members from the National Communications Authority, Energy Commission, Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), Bank of Ghana, Trades Union, Non-Governmental Organisations especially those that focus on consumer protection and the Food and Drugs Board.

Dr Ackah explained that a National Competition Law in any developing country like Ghana can play an important role in tackling some abuses of the market power.

For example Ghacem, a cement producing company in Ghana, has been long suspected of price-fixing, he said and noted that prices of cement range from GH¢ 5.6 to GH¢ 10, while calculations commissioned by the Auditor General suggests that cement can be retailed at less than GH¢ 4.6.

Dr Ackah said when the law is passed a Competition Commission will be set up to regulate the Ghanaian Market and will ensure access to affordable and quality products and services.

"Ghana currently lacks a comprehensive consumer protection law," he said and explained that even though there are legal institutions to deal with issues that concerned consumer protection there are also challenges that need to be dealt with.

A competition policy in Ghana will adopt advocacy through the National Reference Group to educate citizens about existing laws and regulations to guarantee people access to the right information about access to affordable and quality products.

Mr Rijit Sengupta, Deputy Head of CUTS International, India based non governmental organisation that focuses on promoting competition policy, consumer protection, human development and trade issues especially in developing countries said there is the need for the right regulatory framework to ensure an effective competition policy in a country.

He said the project featuring in Ghana, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo will engage in research, dialogues, advocacy, networking and training to educate people about competition policy.

Civil society organisations, the business community and governments are expected to be the direct beneficiaries and the National Reference Group members will help enhance knowledge on competition policy and consumer welfare.

Mr Sengupta noted that, the project will promote a healthy competitive culture in the country while establishing communication channels between civil society, the business community and government.

Source: GNA
Posted: 20/09/08

http://www.ghana.gov.gh/ghana/ghana_will_soon_have_national_competition_law_isser.jsp