Ministry of Communications and Digitalization has directed all E-commerce Operators and their Courier or Drivers to register with the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission, PCSRC, by December 19, this year.
Beyond the deadline, it said no new goods delivery and courier service provider could register with any digital platform or delivery service without a valid PSCRC e-certificate.
Meanwhile, existing operators have till January 24, 2024, to comply with the directives.
The registration is to allow for the acquisition of an e-certificate and an African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA Number.
This is essential for the curbing of e-commerce fraud and crimes committed by unlicensed, unregistered drivers, courier operators and delivery personnel.
In a statement, the Ministry said many logistical companies and digital platform operators have flouted the law by facilitating courier services without complying with the country’s licensing regulations.
It noted that the continued operation of digital platforms, and delivery as well as courier services, without licensing and proper oversight contravenes the Electronic Transactions Act of 2008, Act 772, and the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act of 2003, Act 649.
Section 10 of the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act, Act 649, makes goods delivery and courier activities in Ghana a regulated service.
In addition, Sections 47 to 49 of the Electronic Transactions Act, Act 772, also specifies minimum compliance standards for e-commerce operators.
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.
SOURCE: GNA