Ghanaian Group Urges Consumers: Verify Products Before Buying

Consumers in Ghana are being urged to make product verification a non-negotiable part of every purchase to combat the pervasive issue of counterfeit and unregistered goods. The call comes from the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult), a development communication organization.

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As part of The Trust Economy, Verify Before You Buy, the CDA Consult is calling on consumers, retailers, manufacturers, regulators, procurement officers and community leaders to make product verification a non-negotiable part of every single purchase.

CDA Consult highlights that counterfeit items, including electronics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and food, are rampant not due to a lack of enforcement, but because consumers often delay verification until after they bring products home. This habit fuels the demand for fakes, perpetuating a cycle that harms both consumers and legitimate businesses.

Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, stated during a stakeholder engagement that the "Verify Before You Buy" campaign, part of "The Trust Economy" initiative, seeks to reset shopping behaviors. He emphasized that verification is the "first line of defence" against counterfeiting, which thrives in the gap between trust and proof. "Counterfeit products will not win if we stop giving them space to thrive," Ameyibor asserted, adding that consumer checks, scans, or inquiries directly shrink the market for fakes.

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When verification is skipped, demand for fakes stays high and the cycle repeats. Verification is the first line of defence.

The consequences of using counterfeit products extend beyond financial loss. Fake medicines can worsen illnesses, substandard electrical items can cause fires, unregulated cosmetics can damage skin, and faulty auto parts pose road safety risks. Genuine businesses also suffer significant revenue loss, job cuts, and damage to brand trust.

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Counterfeit products will not win if we stop giving them space to thrive. The moment a consumer chooses to check, scan or ask, the market for fakes begins to shrink. Say no to fake products by making verification part of every purchase. It is that simple and that powerful.

Ameyibor noted that many consumers still prioritize low prices and speed over safety, routinely skipping verification steps like checking serial numbers, QR codes, or official dealer lists. Online marketplaces exacerbate the problem by allowing counterfeiters to present fake goods professionally, while buyers often fail to confirm authenticity. Furthermore, consumers who discover they've bought fakes frequently do not report the sellers, allowing the illicit trade to continue. CDA Consult plans a two-year campaign involving public education, retailer training, and support for brand authentication efforts to foster a habit of verification.

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Fake medicines can worsen illness. Substandard electrical items cause fires. Unregulated cosmetics lead to skin damage. Fake auto parts fail on the road. The economic cost is also heavy, with genuine businesses losing revenue, jobs and brand trust.