By Fatou Krubally
The National Assembly on Tuesday advanced a new Competition and Consumer Protection Bill aimed at strengthening consumer rights, curbing anti-competitive practices and modernising the legal framework governing businesses in The Gambia.
The Bill, tabled for second reading by Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment Mod K. Ceesay, seeks to repeal and replace the Competition Act 2007 and Consumer Protection Act 2014.
Presenting the Bill, Ceesay said the proposed legislation would establish the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as an independent body responsible for administering and enforcing competition and consumer protection laws.
He said the Commission would have powers to investigate suspected violations, conduct hearings and market inquiries, impose administrative penalties and issue appropriate orders.
The proposed law would prohibit restrictive agreements, abuse of a dominant market position and abuse of economic dependence. It would also introduce measures to review practices that could substantially lessen competition or adversely affect the public interest.
On consumer protection, the Bill covers the safety and quality of goods and services, false or misleading representations, unfair contractual terms, defective products, distance selling, digital content and product recalls.
It would also provide consumers with access to remedies and redress, while allowing people who suffer loss or damage as a result of prohibited conduct to seek compensation.
Ceesay said the legislation was intended to address emerging market practices, including digital transactions, while strengthening enforcement and promoting competitive markets, economic growth and sustainable development.
Following its second reading, the Bill was referred to the Assembly Business Committee for committal to the relevant committee or a committee of the whole Assembly for further scrutiny.
The proposed legislation will undergo detailed consideration at the committee stage before returning to the Assembly for further debate and consideration of its provisions.