Ghana Takes Steps to Protect Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge Through New Treaty

Ghana has entered into a landmark agreement focused on safeguarding genetic resources and the traditional knowledge linked to them.

The treaty, finalized after 12 days of rigorous negotiations at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Diplomatic Conference, acknowledges the priceless contributions of Indigenous peoples and local communities in conserving biodiversity.

The treaty aims to prevent erroneous patent grants for inventions involving genetic resources and traditional knowledge, thereby improving the patent system’s efficiency, transparency, and quality. This follows a Diplomatic Conference held from May 13th to 24th, 2024.

Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice of Ghana, Hon. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, signed the treaty on behalf of the nation, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice expressed gratitude to the experts who represented Ghana at the conference, including Prof. Hans Adu Dapaah and Prof. Paul Kuruk.

Special thanks were also extended to Amb. Emmanuel Antwi and Mrs. Audrey Neequaye of the Ghana Permanent Mission in Geneva for advancing Ghana’s interests during the discussions.

“Under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Republic of Ghana is proud to be part of this history-making geared towards sustainable development. The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Hon. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, was honoured to sign the treaty on behalf of the Republic of Ghana during the signing ceremony held on the final day of the Diplomatic Conference.”

“The Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, under the stellar leadership of the Honourable Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, is particularly grateful to the Registrar-General, Mrs. Grace Ama Issahaque and the experts who represented Ghana at the Diplomatic Conference, Prof. Hans Adu Dapaah and Prof. Paul Kuruk.

“Special thanks also go to Amb. Emmanuel Antwi, Permanent Representative of the Ghana Permanent Mission in Geneva, and Mrs. Audrey Neequaye, First Secretary, Ghana Permanent Mission, Geneva and all who promoted Ghana’s interest in the discussions over the years.”