Ghana has signed a landmark treaty aimed at safeguarding genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with them.
The treaty, adopted following 12 days of rigorous negotiations at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Diplomatic Conference, acknowledges the invaluable role of Indigenous peoples and local communities in preserving biodiversity.
Its main objective is to prevent the issuance of incorrect patents for inventions related to genetic resources and traditional knowledge, thereby enhancing the efficacy, transparency, and quality of the patent system.
The Diplomatic Conference took place from May 13th to 24th, 2024.
Hon. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice of Ghana, signed the treaty on behalf of the country under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian experts who contributed to the conference, particularly Prof. Hans Adu Dapaah and Prof. Paul Kuruk.
Special recognition was also extended to Amb. Emmanuel Antwi and Mrs. Audrey Neequaye from the Ghana Permanent Mission in Geneva for their efforts in 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.”