한국지식재산연구원 웹진 2024년 8월호

이 글은 아프리카 국가 중 하나인 가나의 IP 교육에 관한 역사적 흐름부터 최신 동향과 정부 등 조직의 역할에 대해 짚어보고, 향후 나아가야 할 방향성을 제시하고 있다.

가나에서는 경영 수업의 일부로 혁신을 촉진하는 데에 있어 IP 전략의 중요성을 다루는 등 여러 대학과 기관의 주도적인 교육 및 다양한 프로그램을 통해 IP에 대한 인식은 높아졌지만, 지리적으로 주요 도시에만 한정 되어있는 탓에 접근성이 떨어지는 소외 지역의 교육에 대한 수요를 충족시키지 못하는 점과 산업에 IP 법률을 실질적으로 적용하는데 있어 도움이 되는 훈련이나 정보 제공이 부족한 점을 해소할 수 있는 정책 및 전략 수립의 필요성에 관하여 설명하고 있다.

지식이 곧 경쟁력이 되는 이 시대에 창작자와 기업가를 비롯한 더 많은 이들이 IP 역량을 갖출 수 있도록 정부 및 민간 부문에서 구축해야 할 체계까지 알아보고 있다.

Introduction

Intellectual property(IP) is a legal concept and a key driver of innovation and economic growth. As Ghana strides towards modernization and global integration, the understanding and effective use of IP have become increasingly crucial. This has sparked a surge in intellectual property education, designed to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the intricate world of IP. This article delves into the evolution of IP education in Ghana, exploring its historical contexts, current trends, interventions, challenges, and prospects.

Historical Context and Background

Ghana is not new to the concept of intellectual property. It is a signatory to several international industrial property and intellectual property conventions, including the World Intellectual Property Organization. In principle, Ghana is committed to protecting intellectual property rights, and several public sector ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector players are equipped to provide expert services.

However, it's only in recent decades that formal education and IP awareness have started gaining momentum in Ghana. Traditionally, the focus on IP in the country was confined to traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. The onset of globalization and the digital age underscored the need for a more structured understanding of IP. This led to the introduction of IP laws, such as the Copyright Act (2005), which birthed the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), a body tasked with collecting royalties for music copyright holders, the Patents Act (2003) which bestows and safeguards patents in Ghana, and the Trademarks Act (2004), which governs the process of registering and issuing trademarks and collective marks.

These laws were disconnected and did not reflect current trends in intellectual property protection. In 2016, the Ghanaian government launched the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy to strengthen the legal framework to protect better, administer, and enforce intellectual property laws while promoting innovation, awareness, and enforcement. However, according to the International Trade Administration, enforcing IP laws in Ghana remains weak, and piracy is widespread, with counterfeit drugs finding their way into some hospitals and computer software regularly available on street markets. Exacerbating the problem is the slow pace at which reported IP infringement cases filed in Ghana move through the legal system. Most Ghanaians are unaware of the importance of protecting their intellectual assets, and as a result, many innovators and creators have lost out on potential economic benefits. However, with the increasing integration of IP education into the formal curriculum, there is a growing sense of empowerment among the audience as they realize their role in promoting and advocating for intellectual property education in Ghana.

Current Trends in Intellectual Property Education

Today, IP education in Ghana is experiencing a surge in interest, driven by public and private sector initiatives. Several universities and institutions have recognized IP education's importance and introduced courses and programs to meet the growing demand. For instance, all the law schools in Ghana offer specialized courses in various aspects of IP, including copyrights, patents, and trademarks, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that govern IP rights. Technology-focused universities provide specialized courses related to technology transfer and innovation management. This approach helps bridge the gap between legal knowledge and practical application, particularly in technology-driven industries. At the same time, management-focused universities offer IP-related courses, often as part of broader business or management programs. These courses emphasize the strategic importance of IP in business and entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of IP in fostering competitiveness and innovation.

Government and Private Sector Interventions

The Ghanaian government recognizes the importance of IP education and has taken several steps to promote awareness and understanding of intellectual property rights. Through the Registrar-General's Department and the Ghana Copyright Office, the government has launched various initiatives to educate the public on IP matters. These initiatives include workshops, seminars, and outreach programs for different sectors, from the creative arts to technology and agriculture. The Creative Arts Council has also been instrumental in pushing for IP awareness across the performing arts sector in Ghana.

Organizations like the Ghana Association of Software and IT Services Companies(GASSCOM) have been instrumental in advocating for IP education in the private sector. These organizations often collaborate with educational institutions to offer training programs and resources that help individuals and businesses protect their intellectual assets. The Center for Intellectual Property Rights Awareness Ghana(CIPRAG), founded in 2021, focuses on creating awareness and understanding of intellectual property rights in Ghana.

Challenges and Prospects

Despite the progress in promoting IP education in Ghana, several challenges remain. One of the primary challenges is the limited access to specialized IP education outside major urban centers. Many institutions offering IP courses are concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, leaving a gap in other regions. Additionally, there is a need for more practical training and resources that focus on applying IP laws in real-world scenarios. Another challenge is the general lack of awareness about the importance of IP among the broader population. Many creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs still lack the knowledge to effectively protect and leverage their intellectual property, leading to potential losses.

The Way Forward

Several steps can be taken to address these challenges and further strengthen IP education in Ghana. First, there is a need for greater collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to expand access to IP education across the country. This could include introducing online courses, distance learning programs, and regional workshops to reach a wider audience. Furthermore, integrating IP education into the curriculum at all levels of education, from primary to tertiary, would help build a foundation of IP awareness from an early age. By making IP education more accessible and relevant, Ghana can foster a culture of innovation and creativity, ensuring its citizens are well-equipped to compete in the global economy.

In conclusion, intellectual property education in Ghana is evolving rapidly, with significant progress in recent years. However, much work must be done to ensure that all Ghanaians understand the value of their intellectual assets and how to protect them. By addressing the current challenges and continuing to invest in IP education, Ghana can unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the years to come.