Make intellectual property system simple to drive growth — Dr Ayine
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic A. Ayine, has underscored the need to make Intellectual Property (IP) systems simple, trusted and useful for innovators and entrepreneurs on the African continent.
He said simplifying the IP process would encourage broader participation and foster an environment where ideas could be transformed into viable businesses.
This would also drive innovation and economic development across the continent, a critical factor for achieving long-term growth and global competitiveness.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice was speaking at the 49th session of the administrative council of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), an intergovernmental organisation established to promote and coordinate intellectual property protection among member states in Africa.
Jointly organised by ARIPO and the Registrar-General’s Department of Ghana, the four-day event is being attended by various stakeholders, including trademark agents, attorneys and other IP professionals from member countries.
Among issues being discussed are progress made under ARIPO, best practices, new strategies for cooperation and policies and strategies to shape the future of IP services for inventors and creators.
Ratification of ARUSHA Protocol
Dr Ayine called on member states to ratify the ARUSHA Protocol, a regional agreement established by ARIPO to protect new plant varieties and improve the organisation’s infrastructure.
He said Ghana was committed to modernising its IP rights ecosystem.
In line with that, the government enacted the Plant Variety Protection Act and fast-tracked its ratification of the ARIPO-ARUSHA Protocol, which is expected to enhance agricultural investment and technology transfer.
Also, Ghana's Kente had been recognised as the country's first registered geographical indication, symbolising a significant step for cultural preservation and economic opportunities.
Dr Ayine further outlined improvements in Ghana's patent landscape, saying efforts were underway to enhance examination quality and streamline processes to support local SMEs better.
Initiatives such as establishing a dedicated Intellectual Property Office, he said, were also being considered to foster policy coherence and improve efficiency in processing IP applications.
Commendation
The ARIPO Director-General, Bemanya Twebaze, commended Ghana for its historic role in advancing intellectual property across Africa, citing its early contributions to the ARUSHA agreement.
He praised the recent registration of the Kente Geographical Indication as a significant achievement that protects cultural heritage, while benefiting local communities.
Amid global challenges such as digital transformation and new business models, Mr Twebaze stressed the necessity for IP systems in Africa to evolve.
He underscored the importance of capacity building for IP professionals, investment in Africa's vibrant creative and cultural industries valued at over $58 billion annually.
Role
The Registrar-General of Ghana, Grace Ama Issahaque, said that heads of IP offices had a crucial role in an evolving innovation ecosystem, where intellectual property had become a vital tool for national transformation.
She added that efficient and accessible IP systems were crucial in supporting industrial growth and technological progress.
