Celebration of 2016 World Intellectual Property Day

Ribbon cutting to open the exhibition as part of the celebration

The Technology Development and Transfer Centre of the Office of Research, Innovation and Development has held an event to mark the 2016 Intellectual Property Day. The event was on the theme: “Copyright Protection and Enforcement in the Digital Age”.

 

 

Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu delivering her address

Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General and former Head of the Copyright office noted that use of digital technologies and the borderless nature of the Internet had implications on the enforcement of rights and revenue generation for copyright-based industries. She acknowledged the need to revise current copyright laws to address the challenges associated with digital reproduction of works.

Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, Institute of African Studies

Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, Chairperson for the occasion highlighted on the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital evolution on copyright based industries. She also touched on issues of ownership and piracy of works with the advent of digital technologies and the need for appropriate interventions to encourage and stimulate creativity.

Prof. John Gyapong in his delivery

Prof. John Gyapong, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, highlighted some measures that have been put in place to promote the generation of intellectual property at the University. These include the development of an Intellectual Property Policy, sensitisation programmes and training workshops for researchers and research support staff.

       

Mr. Joseph Antah, Librarian, School of Law, University of Ghana (Left) Mr. Issah Mahama, Ghana Copyright Office (Right)

Mr. Joseph Antah, a Librarian at the School of Law shared the views of a librarian on copyright protection and enforcement in the digital age.

A  Documentation and Research Officer at the Ghana Copyright Office, Mr. Issah Mahama also shed some light on the functions of the Ghana Copyright Office, the benefits of the voluntary registration of copyrightable works and copyright infringement.

Prof. Francis Dodoo (Acting Director, Institute of African Studies) delivering his welcome remarks

Earlier in the programme, the Acting Director of the Institute of African Studies, Prof. Francis Dodoo, delivered welcome remarks.

A documentary on the contribution, benefits and challenges faced by some key players in the copyright industry with the advent of digital technologies was aired during the event.

The event was climaxed with an exhibition of creative works by authors at the University of Ghana.  Exhibits included the works of Prof. J.H Nketia, Prof. Afua Sutherland, Prof. Nana Aba Amfo, Prof. Richard Boateng, Prof. Kodjo Gavua, Professor Benjamin W. Kankpeyeng, Dr. Owusu Barimah, the Institute of African Studies and the School of Performing Arts, among others.

  

A Section of participants at the event

 

  

  

Dance Performances by the Ghana Dance Ensemble, Institute of African Studies

  

  

From left to right clockwise- Poetry Recital by Nana Asaase, Exhibits of various digitised works