Africa: IP policy document in Ghana

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Africa: IP policy document in Ghana

ip-policy-ghana-min-final.jpg

Ghana recently published its National IP Policy and Strategy. The aim is to bring Ghana's IP system "in line with its international commitments and international best practices".

The document identifies nine strategic issues. It points out that Ghana now has a rare opportunity to link its IP strategy with various national plans, including a general development plan. The issues are:

Legal framework: Ghana needs to review and develop its IP laws, and accede to international treaties. There's specific mention of integrated circuit layouts, unfair competition, plant varieties, traditional knowledge and genetic resources.

Institutional framework: Ghana has a weak IP framework. This will be addressed by establishing an autonomous national IP office, and through better staffing and automation. The issue of substantive examination will be considered.

Creativity: Creativity and innovation will be encouraged in universities, research institutions and industry, and the use of IP will be promoted. A National Centre for Creative Industries is envisaged.

IP generation and commercialisation: Ghanaians will be educated on the benefits of commercialisation, firstly through an information unit at the IP Office, and subsequently through the creation of technology transfer offices at universities.

Enforcement of rights: IP enforcement laws will be strengthened, and the staffing at the relevant agencies will be improved.

IP profession: The IP profession will be regulated and formalised, and there will be a system of certification.

Public awareness: The low level of IP awareness will be addressed by a public awareness outreach programme. The aim is to promote a culture of IP.

IP service industry: There's a weak IP service industry. Issues to be addressed include creating collective management organisations and creating associations of IP stakeholders.

IP research: Research on IP-related issues will be promoted. There will, for example, be a study on the impact of the Madrid Protocol on the economy.

The policy will be implemented over the period September 2016 to 2020. This policy suggests that the authorities in Ghana understand the importance of IP. Its publication is a welcome development.

meiring.jpg

Wayne Meiring


Spoor & Fisher Jersey

Africa House, Castle Street

St Helier, Jersey JE4 9TW

Channel Islands

Tel: +44 1534 838000

Fax: +44 1534 838001

info@spoor.co.uk

www.spoor.com

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

The insensitive reaction to a UK politician crying on TV proves we have a long way to go before we can say we are tackling workplace wellbeing
Adrian Percer says he was impressed by the firm’s work on billion-dollar cases as well as its culture
In our latest interview with women IP leaders, Catherine Bonner at Murgitroyd discusses technology, training, and teaching
Developments included an update in the VAR dispute between Ballinno and UEFA, the latest CMS updates, and a swathe of market moves
The LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards is thrilled to present the 2025 shortlist
A new order has brought the total security awarded to a Canadian tech company to $45 million, the highest-ever by an Indian court in an IP case
Andrew Blattman reflects on how IP practices have changed and shares his hopes for increased AI use and better performance on the stock market
The firm said major IP developments included advising on a ‘landmark’ deal involving green hydrogen production, as well as two major acquisitions
The appointments follow other recent moves in the European market as firms look to bolster their UPC offerings
Deborah Kirk discusses why IP and technology have become central pillars in transactions and explains why clients need practically minded lawyers
Gift this article