The event, held at Marshall University College in Accra recently, brought together stakeholders from the creative, legal and sports sectors to discuss the growing importance of IP protection in Ghana’s evolving creative economy.
The annual lecture, which has been running since 2019, was chaired by UNESCO Representative, Carl Ampah, who commended the founder of Bnoskka, Benjamin Oduro Arhin, popularly known as Bnoskka, for his sustained advocacy on intellectual property matters.
“What Dr. Oduro Arhin is doing—week after week, year after year—is a true reflection of how passion can transform intellectual property discourse in Ghana. His initiative is not just timely; it is essential,” Mr Ampah stated.
He further highlighted UNESCO’s growing interest in protecting the non-physical assets within sports, including broadcasting rights, athlete image rights and merchandising.
The lecture focused on critical IP issues affecting Ghana’s sports and creative industries, including broadcasting rights, content ownership, merchandising opportunities and digital innovation.
Former Administrator of the Copyright Office, Bernard Bosumprah, traced the historical evolution of copyright legislation in Ghana, from the colonial-era UK Copyright Ordinance to the current Copyright Act 690 of 2005.
He noted that Ghana’s copyright regime has faced challenges including political interference, inadequate stakeholder consensus and weak enforcement mechanisms.
A representative of the current Acting Administrator of the Copyright Office, Samuel Awuku, disclosed that a police station had recently been established within the Copyright Office to strengthen enforcement efforts. However, he expressed concern about the office’s financial limitations, calling for increased support from both government and the private sector.
One of the most emotional moments of the lecture centred on the story of Ghanaian innovator John Amoah, who was said to have conceived the “Golden Goal” football rule before it was later adopted by FIFA without recognition or compensation.
Dr Arhin described the incident as a painful example of how unprotected ideas can be exploited when creators fail to secure patents or legal agreements before disclosure.
“John Amoah lost his patent idea simply because he submitted it without a non-disclosure agreement or a registered patent. FIFA used his brainchild, changed the complexion of World Cup finals, and Mr Amoah saw nothing. No credit. No royalty,” he lamented.
He consequently appealed to the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports to honour Mr Amoah for his contribution to football history, despite the rule no longer being in use.
The lecture also heard a testimony from veteran broadcaster and creative personality Darkwa Nkrumah, popularly known as Kobby Spikey, who alleged that the Confederation of African Football used his original musical composition without permission.
According to him, although he won a High Court case against CAF, he is yet to receive compensation.
“I have the judgment. The court said they infringed. Yet CAF refuses to pay me a dime for my intellectual sweat,” he stated.
The event attracted representatives from key industry bodies including Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Actors Guild of Ghana, GHAMRO, CopyGhana and ARSOG.
However, the absence of the Ministry of Sports, the Ghana Football Association and the Creative Arts Agency was noted by participants.
Students of Marshall University College also engaged speakers on issues relating to trademark protection and fashion design, reflecting growing interest among young creatives in intellectual property rights.
In his closing remarks, Mr Ampah reiterated UNESCO’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote IP education and urged organisers to expand the lecture to other parts of the country.
