A staggering 50% of Ghanaian consumers lack awareness of their basic consumer rights, according to a new report released by CUTS International Accra, a policy research and advocacy think tank. The report, titled "The State of Ghanaian Consumers," surveyed 1,795 respondents across all ten regions of Ghana and found alarming levels of consumer ignorance across various sectors, including telecommunications, banking, e-commerce, and aviation.

The survey revealed that a majority of consumers either lacked knowledge of how to file complaints or did not believe that such complaints would yield results. For instance, in the telecommunications sector, only 11.71% of consumers reported having even limited knowledge of their rights, despite frequent network issues and billing problems. Similarly, in the banking sector, 55.98% of respondents had no idea how to report issues, and nearly 40% could not identify the regulatory authority.

The report also highlighted a widespread distrust in Ghana's regulatory institutions. For example, only 6.79% of telecom users trusted regulators, while in banking, 21.53% of consumers believed regulators rarely addressed their concerns. Moreover, 81.1% of air travelers received no compensation despite facing cancellations.

The findings of the report are particularly concerning, as they suggest that consumer complaints across sectors are often poorly handled or ignored. For instance, in the banking sector, only 22.01% of customers had reported issues to the regulator, while in waste management, 77.4% of people had never filed complaints due to distrust in authorities.

In response to the report's findings, CUTS International Accra is calling for comprehensive consumer protection legislation, including the swift passage of the Consumer Protection Bill and the establishment of an independent Consumer Protection Authority. The organization is also advocating for sector-specific education programs to raise awareness among consumers.

The Ghanaian government has pledged to prioritize consumer protection legislation, with the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry acknowledging the critical findings of the report. The minister stated that the absence of a unified Consumer Protection Law leaves Ghanaian citizens vulnerable, and affirmed the administration's commitment to delivering a robust legislative framework.

The report's findings have significant implications for Ghana's economy and citizens. Without urgent reforms, millions of Ghanaians will continue to suffer in silence, unaware of their rights and unable to seek justice when wronged. The report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, regulators, and businesses to take concrete steps to empower consumers and protect their rights.

In conclusion, the CUTS International Accra report offers a sobering look at consumer vulnerability in Ghana. It is imperative that stakeholders take immediate action to address the gaps in consumer protection, education, and awareness. By doing so, Ghana can create a more equitable and just marketplace that benefits both consumers and businesses alike.