CDA Consult Launches Consumer Protection Drive Across Ghana

The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult has outlined the plan for its flagship consumer empowerment and protection initiative, set to roll out in every region of Ghana. The programme will focus on markets, lorry stations and local shops, aiming to give ordinary shoppers clearer rights and tools when dealing with sellers. Details shared by CDA Consult show that trained community volunteers will visit these sites to educate traders and buyers about fair pricing, product quality and grievance mechanisms. The rollout schedule mentions a phased approach starting next month, with pilot phases in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale before expanding to the remaining regions. Stakeholders including market association leaders and consumer watchdog groups have welcomed the move, saying it addresses long‑standing power imbalances that leave ordinary Ghanaians vulnerable. The initiative also plans to establish community complaint hotlines and a mobile reporting app that will allow users to log issues directly from their phones. By training local volunteers, the project hopes to create a network of consumer champions who can mediate disputes and refer serious cases to regulatory bodies. This approach builds on earlier advocacy work by CDA Consult, which previously ran similar campaigns in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions with support from the Ghana Consumer Protection Agency. The rollout comes at a time when complaints about substandard goods and unfair trade practices have risen sharply across urban centres. Officials say the next step will be a nationwide monitoring exercise to measure changes in consumer confidence and market behaviour.