Being an Act to provide for the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers to provide for the establishment of the National Consumer Protection Commission and for other related matters.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2020, aims to safeguard and advance consumer interests through the establishment of the National Consumer Protection Commission and other relevant measures. Key points include:
Scope and Definitions: The Act applies to goods and services provided in trade or commerce within Sierra Leone. It defines various terms crucial to understanding consumer rights and responsibilities, including “consumer,” “supplier,” and “unfair supplier conduct.”
Establishment of the Commission: The Act creates the National Consumer Protection Commission of Sierra Leone as a corporate body with perpetual succession. The Commission is empowered to take legal actions, acquire property, and perform necessary functions to carry out its mandate.
Composition of the Commission: The Commission comprises appointed members, including a Chairman, a Deputy Chairman, and representatives from relevant bodies such as the Ministry and the Bar Association. Appointments are made by the President based on the Minister’s recommendation and Parliament’s approval.
Functions and Powers: The Commission is tasked with various responsibilities, including adjudicating consumer disputes, conducting investigations, and promoting consumer education and awareness. It is empowered to issue substantiation notices and take actions against unfair supplier conduct.
Adjudication and Enforcement: The Act establishes mechanisms for resolving disputes between consumers, service providers, and suppliers, including the appointment of adjudicators and the enforcement of decisions.
Regulatory Framework: The Act provides a regulatory framework to address issues such as credit contracts, auction sales, and pyramid schemes, ensuring that consumers are protected from unfair practices in the market.
Overall, the Consumer Protection Act, 2020, seeks to create a robust legal framework to promote fair and transparent interactions between consumers and suppliers, ultimately enhancing consumer confidence and welfare in Sierra Leone.
