IN a bid to uphold regulatory standards, Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has identified a significant number of logistics companies and digital platform operators that are violating the law by providing courier services without adhering to the country’s licensing regulations.
The Ministry is taking decisive action to ensure compliance with existing legislation, notably Section 10 of the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act, Act 649, which designates goods delivery and courier activities in Ghana as regulated services. Additionally, sections 47 to 49 of the Electronic Transactions Act, Act 772, outline minimum compliance standards for e-commerce operators.
As a response to these findings, the Ministry has issued a directive mandating all such companies and the couriers/drivers operating on their networks to register with the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC). The registration process involves obtaining an e-certificate and an African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Number. This move aims to bring the industry in line with regulatory frameworks and enhance accountability.
Companies and couriers are required to complete the registration process by December 19, 2023. After this date, any new goods delivery and courier service provider will be unable to register with any digital platform or delivery service without a valid PSCRC e-certificate. Existing operators are given a grace period until January 24, 2024, to ensure full compliance with the regulations.
The Ministry’s initiative underscores the government’s commitment to regulating the burgeoning courier services sector and promoting fair competition within the digital platform ecosystem. Stakeholders are urged to promptly adhere to the directives to avoid legal consequences and ensure the integrity of the courier services industry in Ghana.