By Mustapha Jallow
In a bid to combat unfair market practices and strengthen consumer protection, the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) has trained journalists to enhance their understanding and reporting of unethical business activities affecting consumers in the country.
Speaking at the training, Baboucarr Ceesay, Director of GCCPC, emphasized the media’s vital role in raising public awareness and fostering accountability. He called for stronger collaboration between the press and the commissions to ensure consumer rights are upheld.
“The commission is responsible for regulating market activities to prevent unfair competition and misleading business practices. This training is crucial in strengthening our collaboration to ensure the public is well-informed about competition policies and consumer rights,” Ceesay stated.
GCCPC experts provided insights into market dynamics, urging business owners and consumers to stay informed about prevailing practices. Journalists were encouraged to actively report anti-competitive behaviour and consumer protection violations.
“For instance, agreements between competing firms designed to limit or eliminate competition—commonly known as cartels—lead to higher prices and increased profits for participating companies, without offering any tangible benefits to consumers,” explained one of the trainers.
“Cartels are harmful to both consumers and society because they drive up prices and distort the market, preventing fair competition,” he added.
The commission also highlighted key challenges hindering consumer protection efforts. These include prolonged turnaround times for cases at the Consumer Protection Tribunal, the commission’s inability to initiate investigations without formal complaints, and the absence of strong consumer advocacy groups. Additionally, a lack of quality infrastructure and testing facilities in key sectors remains a major obstacle.
GCCPC urged consumers and stakeholders to actively report unfair business practices and support initiatives aimed at strengthening consumer protection in The Gambia.
