Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitization has instructed all e-commerce operators and their couriers/drivers to register with Postal and Postal Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) until 19 December 2023.
Details
The Ministry said that after the deadline, no new goods delivery and courier service providers can register on any digital platform or delivery service without a valid PSCRC e-certificate.
Existing operators have until 24 January 2024 to comply with the directive.
Digging deeper
Registration will enable the acquisition of an African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) e-certificate and number which is essential to curb e-commerce fraud and crimes committed by unlicensed, unregistered drivers, courier companies and delivery personnel .
In a press statement, the ministry said it noticed how many logistics companies and digital platform operators were flouting the law by facilitating courier services without complying with the country’s licensing regulations.
Because this matters
The Ministry stated that the continued operation of digital platforms and delivery and courier services, without licensing and proper supervision, violates Electronic Transactions Act 2008, Act 772and Postal and Postal Services Regulatory Commission Act 2003, Act 649.
“Section 10 of the Postal and Courier Regulatory Commission Act 649 makes the delivery of goods and courier services in Ghana a regulated service. and Sections 47 to 49 of the Electronic Commerce Act, Act 772, also set minimum standards of compliance for e-commerce operators“, the ministry emphasizes in a statement.
Companies falling within the scope of the directive include Uber, Bolt, Yango, Glovo, Jiji, Tonaton, Maxmartghana.com, and all e-commerce and e-delivery platforms and companies.
“These businesses will no longer be allowed to continue to use unregistered staff to deliver goods as this contributes to customer fraud and abuse,“, the statement read.
The ministry also said that it has become imperative to streamline the sector as there is increased focus on AfCFTA’s cross-border e-commerce objectives and the growing use of digital platforms to facilitate domestic trade.
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