Story by: Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu and Encok Ankomah
The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced major reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s Intellectual Property (IP) system to improve transparency, speed up service delivery, and expand access for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He made the announcement at the 49th Session of the Administrative Council of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), which Ghana is currently hosting together with the 20th Session of the ARIPO Council of Ministers in Accra.
Dr. Ayine said the reforms include the introduction of new online systems for trademarks, patents, and other IP filings, designed to reduce processing times and enhance efficiency. He noted that the upgrades will also lower compliance costs and help technology-based SMEs access capital more easily.
He added that a review of the country’s national IP policy is underway. The review focuses on the commercialization of IP assets, enforcement, strengthening Technology and Innovation Support Centers, and improving links between the IP regime and the creative and agricultural sectors.
The Registrar-General of Ghana, Mrs. Grace Issahaque, said IP offices play a critical role in supporting innovation across the region. She stated that the discussions taking place will help shape the future of IP administration on the continent and reinforce ARIPO’s leadership in regional IP governance.
The Director General of ARIPO, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, commended member states for progress made in digital transformation, legal reforms, awareness creation, and capacity building. He said the achievements reflect the collective commitment of member countries to strengthening Africa’s IP ecosystem.
The sessions have brought together ministers, heads of IP offices, policy leaders, and development partners from across the continent. Discussions are centered on the digitalization of services, harmonization of procedures, effective enforcement in the digital economy, and the development of innovation ecosystems to support economic transformation.
