Thursday, 16 July

Online shoppers face fraud risks as CUTS calls for stronger consumer protection and education

Technology
Kindel Media (Pic):

Ghanaian online shoppers continue to face challenges ranging from fraud and counterfeit products to poor cybersecurity and delivery concerns, prompting renewed calls for stronger consumer protection and public education.

A new report by CUTS International Accra, The State of the Ghanaian Consumer 2025, found that consumers using e-commerce platforms are concerned about inadequate product information, complex ordering processes, weak cybersecurity, unreliable delivery services and the lack of widely adopted secure online payment systems.

The report also highlighted a widening digital divide between urban and rural communities, which continues to limit access to e-commerce services.

Beyond the challenges facing online shopping, the report said consumers across several sectors believe regulatory enforcement remains weak and complaint handling systems need to be more accessible and responsive.

It called for stronger oversight to ensure consumer rights are protected and grievances are resolved promptly.

CUTS also urged authorities to intensify consumer education campaigns nationwide, saying many Ghanaians remain unaware of their rights and the available mechanisms for seeking redress when they experience unfair treatment or poor service.

The organisation said empowering consumers through education, alongside stronger regulatory enforcement, would help improve confidence in Ghana's marketplace and digital economy.

Source: classfmonline.com