At last, the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) has finally decided to address two serious consumer protection issues in The Gambia: non-disclosure and misrepresentation of goods by providers to consumers. The Commission did so as part of its position on World Consumer Rights Day, which is observed worldwide on March 15th of each year.

This year’s theme, chosen by Consumer International (CI), is “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI).” However, as AI is not a pressing consumer issue in The Gambia, the GCCPC has decided to focus on local issues instead.

Non-disclosure of items to consumers refers to businesses failing to reveal information that is important to the decision-making process of consumers or influences their decision to enter into a transaction. This constitutes a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2014, which entitles consumers to true, sufficient, and timely information on goods and services offered in the market.

Misrepresentation, on the other hand, is a false or misleading statement of fact during negotiations that induces one party to enter into a contract. This also violates the Consumer Protection Act, 2014, which prohibits the use of deceptive representations or designations of geographic origin in connection with goods.

The GCCPC urges businesses to make authentic and clear statements to consumers and encourages consumers to report any non-disclosure or misrepresentation issues to the commission for redress. Protecting the welfare and promoting the rights of consumers are part of the commission’s mandate, and they are committed to eradicating or substantially reducing these issues in the market.

Consumers are reminded to be cautious of these practices and to report any issues to the GCCPC office in Kotu East for redress. The commission can be reached at 5000033 for any consumer rights issues.