Mediation And Arbitration Centre Helps Serve Consumers To Seek Redress Of Conflict- Dr Owusu Korenteng
Mediation And Arbitration Centre Helps Serve Consumers To Seek Redress Of Conflict- Dr Owusu Korenteng
The establishment of first ever consumer mediation and arbitration and an alternative dispute resolution centre in Ghana.
Speaking at the official opening of the centre, the executive director of the centre Nana Prempah Okogyeabour Aduhene stressed that the consumer mediation and arbitration center is to lodge complaints physical and invites parties for mediation and resolution.
He said that the filing of complaints GH¢ 100 cost of delivery of invitations and settlement consent form is also cost GH¢ 100.
Therefore, each mediation and arbitration cost GH¢ 200 making it the cheapest and most affordable in our current dispensation, no legal representation involved.
According to him, the consumer protection agency Ghana is a non-governmental organization and non profit organisation which only interest is to seek to the satisfaction of the Ghanaian consumer and creating a cordial relationship between the consumer, manufacturers and service providers alike.
Therefore appealed to the media to support the CPA in making this a reality for the Ghanaian consumer as they wait for the passing of the consumer right bill which is stuck in parliament making the Ghanaian consumer vulnerable to all abuses.
In his remarks, the president of the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners, Mr.Daniel Owusu Koranteng, stated that Ghana’s economy is largely import oriented which makes dumping of goods and services very easy especially in an environment of weak consumer protection, regulations and enforcement. Unfortunately there is very low consciousness about consumer rights. Consumer awareness, rights and responsibility are very important in ensuring that consumers take decisions from a position of knowledge in purchasing items that are suitable and fit for purpose.
In an environment where consumers do not have accurate and unbiased information about products, there is the tendency for business to provide misleading information to entice consumers to purchase items that many not serve their purpose.
According to him, an import dependent economy like ours brings to fore the need for strong consumer protection policies, laws and regulations that can be useful to hold businesses accountable in their dealings with consumers.
The country lacks a National Policy which is comprehensive enough to protect consumers and to address conflicts that would arise from the intereaction of business and consumers.
Mr Koranteng noted that the centre is a fulfilment of long dream of providing a cost-effective, speedy and non-adversarial opportunity to consumers to seek redress in situations of conflict with business.
This is one of the most effective ways to protect the interest of consumers.
-Joseph Nana Yaw Cobbina
