The Mobile Industry has celebrated World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), with a market activation at the Rawlings Park (Makola) in Accra Central.
The event organised under the global theme “Trusted Smart Products”, was aimed at educating traders, commuters and the general public in the safe use of mobile technologies, applications and services provided by mobile network operators.It provided an opportunity for the mobile network operators to highlight issues on mobile and digital security and also educate the public to avoid the purchase and use of fake phones as well as pre-registered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards and to report wayward merchants and persons who trade in such products to the law enforcement authorities.
Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, in his remarks, underscored the symbiotic relationship between the consumers and the mobile operators and reiterated the relentless commitment of the industry to provide world-class telecommunications with consumers at the core of their operations.
“Consumers have rights and equally have responsibilities, and we will work with our customers to ensure they do not compromise on their security and data privacy as they gain access to new services, more responsive products, greater convenience and choice,” Mr Ashigbey said.
“We… caution all Ghanaians to be vigilant and desist from disclosing their mobile money PINs and avoid discussing their wallet or financial details with anybody over a telephone call. We should be quick to report fraudulent numbers to the toll free short code 419 for immediate resolution,” Mr Ashigbey said.
A member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications, Sam George, called for the development of a legislation which will criminalize fibre cuts that deny consumers of data and internet services offered by the telecommunication companies in the country.
He explained that fibre cuts, which was often caused by road construction and building construction, put huge financial burdens on the telecommunication companies and deny consumers of communication and internet services.
He also lauded the Chamber for organizing the event to sensitize consumers on their rights and also the opportunity to interact with the mobile network operators and seek solutions to challenges facing them in the use of mobile services.
Customers were also sensitized on the importance of fibre optic networks within their communities, which are critical to the delivery of quality telecommunications services.
Private developers, Road contractors and utility companies were implored as partners to work with the mobile industry in safeguarding this critical infrastructure from cuts to guarantee quality service for all.
The event was characterized with fun activities, such as drama, comic dancing, comedy and customers who participated in other educational games were rewarded with assorted products from their network operators
Senior officials from the mobile industry, network operators, tower infrastructure companies, Members of Parliament, Consumer Protection Agency, Data Protection Commission, Mobile Phone Dealers Association, media and the general public graced the occasion.
Source: Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications
