The session aimed to equip media professionals with the skills to identify, expose, and report unfair market practices while enhancing public awareness of consumer rights. By fostering collaboration between the media and regulatory bodies, the training seeks to empower consumers and hold businesses accountable for unethical practices.
The training is part of GCCPC’s ongoing efforts to engage the media in its mission to safeguard consumer rights and ensure fair competition in The Gambia’s marketplace.
During the opening remarks, Babucarr Ceesay, Director of Competition at GCCPC, emphasised the Commission’s mandate to enforce the Competition Act, administer the Consumer Protection Act, and, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, oversee the Essential Commodities Act. He highlighted the critical role of the media in raising public awareness of competition and consumer protection issues.
“The media is an essential partner in our work. Many of the cases we handle come to our attention through journalists and social media platforms,” Ceesay stated. “This training is crucial in strengthening our collaboration, ensuring that the public is well-informed about competition policies and consumer rights.”
Ceesay explained that The Gambia operates a free-market economy with minimal government intervention in pricing. He noted that the Commission is responsible for regulating market activities to prevent unfair competition and misleading business practices. He also encouraged consumers to report any violations to the Commission, which provides mediation services through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. If mediation fails, cases are escalated to the Tribunal for further action.
Consumer Protection Manager Fabakary Touray also addressed the participants, acknowledging the media’s role in educating the public about consumer rights and fair competition. He noted that understanding competition laws can be complex, and the training provides journalists with direct access to experts who can clarify the Commission’s mandates.
“We appreciate your presence today. This training will equip you with the knowledge needed to accurately inform the public about our work,” Touray stated.
