We need systems to reward creativity financially – Atuahene

The Founding President of the Centre for Intellectual Property in Ghana, Kwame Koduah Atuahene, has called on Ghanaians

to change their attitude and develop the right systems that will help ensure that creators are properly paid for their work.

“The creative industry in Ghana has a huge potential to impact our economy,” he added.

He made the call Tuesday to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day, which was celebrated globally to reflect on the future of intellectual property in the digital age.

According to him, World Intellectual Property Day is set aside to increase knowledge and awareness of the role intellectual property (IP) rights play in encouraging creativity, as well as their impact on domestic and national economies.

“We wish to seize the opportunity of this day to celebrate the exploits of all creators in Ghana,” he said.

He singled out the likes of Messrs Hermann Chinery Hesse, Bright Simons, Reindolf Owusu, Livingstone Etse Satekla (Stonebwoy), Michael Owusu Addo (Sarkodie), who have worked hard to project Brand Ghana internationally and to also create opportunities of work for several others within the value chain.

He noted that if people are properly paid for their work, they will keep exploring their creative potentials, which will definitely boast the economy.

“In recent weeks, we have read of iconic showbiz personalities who entertained us for decades yet struggle today with some necessities of life,” he said.

He opined that Ghana needs to take a script from some of the global best examples as far as the positive culture of IP is concerned.

“A 2014 studies on the Economic Contribution of the Copyright Industries by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) confirms the creative industry as the driver of economic growth. In 75% of countries sampled, the copyright industry was responsible for an average of 5.6% to their GDP.”

Kwame Koduah Atuahene appealed to all and sundry to work and harness the potential that exists from the opportunities available, adding that with the right attitude, knowledge and support, local brands like cocoa and shea butter could enjoy as much global appeal and patronage as the Nepalese Tea or Swiss watches. We must encourage and assist creative enterprises for our collective good, he said.

The Centre for Intellectual Property Advocacy Ghana (CiPaG) is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to increase dialogue on intellectual property trends and the relevance of protecting and enforcing IP rights for our national good.