Accra, November 20, 2025 – Ghana’s creative industries are set to benefit from significantly strengthened support following a high-level engagement between the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and the leadership of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The meeting, which included WIPO Director General Daren Tang, focused on building capacity for Ghanaian creatives, expanding intellectual property (IP) protection, and deepening cultural collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.
Minister Gomashie underscored the urgency of the matter by reflecting on her own 40-year journey in the creative industry, citing the lack of IP protection for fabrics created by her older sister for over three decades. She stressed the necessity of cultural diplomacy, referencing the Afro Gastro initiative, and emphasized the critical need for fair compensation and long-term royalties for creators across all art forms, noting how Ghanaian creativity frequently goes uncredited globally.
The Minister expressed confidence that the new partnership will equip today’s creatives with the IP knowledge and tools her generation lacked.
In response, Director General Tang reaffirmed WIPO’s strong support for the sector and indicated the organization’s readiness to extend its work with Collective Management Organizations to Ghana. Mr. Tang highlighted the “WIPO for Creators – CLIP” platform, which simplifies copyright procedures and is slated to expand beyond music to encompass other art forms. He also referenced the upcoming “World IP Place / WIPO Phase” initiative, designed to connect creatives across Africa.
Adding specifics on long-term initiatives, Beatril Borhel, WIPO’s Director of Development Cooperation, highlighted existing long-term mentorship programmes for artists, game developers, app creators, and other digital entrepreneurs. Ms. Borhel confirmed that the new WIPO Phase platform will provide ongoing support beyond initial training.
Furthermore, she announced plans for Ghana to host a major Africa–Caribbean creative convening next year, positioning the nation at the center of regional cultural exchange efforts.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
