The Deputy Minister of Trade Fatmata Kargbo, along with officials from the National Consumer Protection Commission and Standards Bureaus, initiated spot checks of shops and supermarkets in the Western Area to inspect expired products and substandard goods.

This initiative is to safeguard consumers’ best interests from consuming expired or substandard products.

The initiative is also in line with President Bio unweaving commitment to protect citizens from consuming expired or substandard products which brings the establishment of the National Consumer Protection Commission in 2020 to achieve this goal.

The Deputy Minister Fatmata Kargbo and her team visited Kroo Town Road to undertake this venture, wherein several expired products were discovered at one particular shop, and officials from the NCPC confiscated the goods for further actions, including destruction. The shop was immediately closed, pending action based on the Consumer Protection Act of 2020

“I am saddened that people can behave this way. How could someone sell expired goods to citizens, endangering the lives of millions, including children? This is unacceptable, and the Ministry of Trade, along with its agencies, will ensure the culprits face the full extent of the law. I urge all citizens to be vigilant when purchasing goods, to check for expiration dates, and to report to the NCPC for action,” Deputy Minister Fatmata Kargbo stated.

The Deputy Minister added that this move is not a one-off event but a continuous process to catch unscrupulous business people who engage in selling expired goods.

The team was accompanied by civil society groups and the media.