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E-commerce operators, courier services directed to register with regulator by December 19

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E-commerce operators, courier services directed to register with regulator by December 19
Minister for Communications and Ablekuma West MP Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

, Ghana – The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has issued a directive requiring all e-commerce operators and their courier/drivers to register with the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) by December 19, 2023.

After this deadline, no new goods delivery and courier service provider will be able to register with any digital platform or delivery service without a valid PSCRC e-certificate.

Existing operators have until January 24, 2024, to ensure compliance with this directive. The registration process is designed to facilitate the acquisition of an e-certificate and an () Number.

These measures are essential for combating e-commerce fraud and crimes committed by unlicensed and unregistered drivers, courier operators, and delivery personnel.

In an official press statement, the Ministry expressed concern over the significant number of logistical companies and digital platform operators that have been operating without adhering to the country's licensing regulations.

This practice contradicts the Electronic Transactions Act of 2008, Act 772, and the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act of 2003, Act 649.

The Ministry highlighted that Section 10 of the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act, Act 649, designates goods delivery and courier activities in Ghana as regulated services.

Additionally, Sections 47 to 49 of the Electronic Transactions Act, Act 772, specify minimum compliance standards for e-commerce operators.

This directive applies to a range of companies, including popular digital platforms such as Uber, , Yango, Glovo, Jiji, Tonaton, Maxmartghana.com, and all e-commerce and e-delivery platforms and companies.

The Ministry stressed that these businesses will no longer be allowed to use unregistered personnel for delivering goods, as this practice contributes to fraud and customer abuse.

Furthermore, the Ministry noted the increasing importance of streamlining the sector, especially in light of the cross-border e-commerce objectives of the () and the growing use of digital platforms for facilitating internal trade.

To support this effort, the government of Ghana has launched the AfCFTA Hub, which aims to simplify licensing and enhance legal compliance while combatting fraud. This initiative is endorsed by the AfCFTA Secretariat, 4D, and AfroChampions.

The AfCFTA Hub's mission is to boost digital trade across the African continent while effectively preventing fraud and illegal trade, ensuring a fair and regulated e-commerce environment.

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