Consumer Protection and Data Privacy in E-Commerce: Assessing Ghana's Regulatory Framework

The rapid growth of e-commerce in Ghana has created new opportunities for businesses and consumers, but it has also raised significant concerns regarding consumer protection and data privacy. These concerns have the potential to undermine public confidence in online transactions and hinder the sustainable growth of the digital economy. This paper assesses Ghana's legal and regulatory framework governing consumer protection and data privacy in e-commerce through a doctrinal analysis of relevant international instruments and domestic legislation. It finds that, while Ghana has made notable progress through laws such as the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772) and the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), gaps in enforcement, regulatory coordination, and consumer awareness continue to limit their effectiveness. The paper argues that strengthening the implementation of existing laws, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting greater public awareness are essential to improving consumer trust and supporting the continued growth of e-commerce in Ghana.