On May 10, 2022, the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC), under Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MOCD), announced plans to register all e-commerce operators to provide them with secure online profiles, per GNA. The initiative, led by PCSRC Executive Secretary Hamdaratu Zakaria, aims to curb e-commerce fraud at no cost to operators. “The exercise will be done at no cost and will help the Commission root out e-commerce fraud in the country,” a PCSRC statement declared, aligning with Ghana’s Digitalisation Agenda.
Development of a Free Electronic Portal
The PCSRC has developed a free-to-use electronic portal to provide public access to directory information on registered e-commerce traders and logistics companies, including courier services, in good standing, per GNA. “A free-to-use electronic portal had already been developed,” the statement noted, ensuring transparency for consumers before engaging in online transactions. The system will integrate with telecom and corporate registries to close loopholes exploited by fraudulent operators, enhancing accountability in Ghana’s digital economy.
Combating Fraud with a Complaint and Rating System
To tackle digital fraud, the PCSRC plans to introduce a centralized complaint and business rating system. “A complaint and business rating system would be centralised so that fraudulent persons… no longer hid behind… digital technology,” per GNA. This system will blacklist sham businesses, protecting consumers from scams. The initiative addresses the anonymity that enables fraudsters to deceive the public, particularly in a rapidly growing e-commerce sector, which saw a 20% increase in online transactions in Ghana in 2021, per industry reports.
Integration with AfCFTA and Regional Efforts
The PCSRC’s efforts align with regional trade frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). “The PCSRC had thus also joined the AfCFTA Hub and Caravan initiatives,” integrating its regulatory platform with continental systems, per GNA. This addresses challenges posed by cross-border trade, where “fraudulent operatives took advantage… to evade local law enforcement,” often operating from neighboring countries. The Commission aims to collaborate with regional agencies to tighten regulations against digital fraudsters.
Upcoming Launch and Broader Implications
The new regulatory regime for digital trading and logistics enterprises is set to launch in May 2022, per GNA. “In May 2022, the new regime for regulating digital trading… would be launched,” the statement confirmed. This initiative supports Ghana’s goal to sanitize the e-commerce sector, fostering trust and security for online businesses. With e-commerce contributing 2% to Ghana’s GDP in 2021, per the Ministry of Trade, the PCSRC’s measures aim to bolster consumer confidence, reduce fraud, and enhance Ghana’s position in regional digital trade under AfCFTA and ECOWAS frameworks.
