The
Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) has earnestly
maintained its sensitization drive in ensuring that the general public is made
to be aware and conscious of their consumer protection rights, and the
regulations inherent in the Consumer Protection Act 2014 and Competition Act
2007.
The Commission in the month of February (17 Feb 2016) intensified its campaign and sensitization of the masses of our people, by conducting a sensitization lecture at the Management Development Institute (MDI) to edify students and staff of that learning institution on the country’s Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
This action by the Commission to reach out to the people of this country, especially students on such pertinent matters of life, is worthy of commendation.
This is because the health of our lives and body depends on the quality of food we consume, and the growth and development of our economy hinges on the maintenance of a healthy business competition in the society.
Different countries, organisations and international bodies have in place some specific laws on consumer protection and rights, which to a large extent are similar to laws on international consumer protection and rights.
And according to Wikipedia.org, consumer protection is a group of laws and organizations designed to ensure the rights of consumers, as well as fair trade, competition and accurate information in the marketplace.
The laws are designed to prevent businesses that engage in fraud or specified unfair practices from gaining an advantage over competitors.
They may also provide additional protection for those most vulnerable in society.
Consumer protection laws are a form of government regulation, which aims to protect the rights of consumers, which may require businesses to disclose detailed information about products, such as food, to determine their safety and public health standard.
“Consumer protection is linked to the idea of consumer rights, and to the formation of consumer organizations, which help consumers make better choices in the marketplace and get help with consumer complaints.”
The MDI students and staff, just like the other sectors of society the GCCPC has been sensitizing over the years, would have gained a lot from the sensitization lecture on the country’s Consumer Protection Act and Competition Act.
Therefore, the efforts of the GCCPC should be commended as their presentation is timely in educating students and staff on competition issues and consumer protection rights.
Some of these rights, according to Consumers International Organisation, are the right to the satisfaction of basic needs; the right to safety; the right to be informed; the right to choose; the right to be heard; the right to redress; the right to consumer education, and the right to a healthy environment.
“The health of our lives and body depends on the quality of food we consume.”
The Point