Industry Stakeholders Push for Stronger Intellectual Property Protection
Industry leaders, policymakers and creative sector practitioners have renewed calls for stronger intellectual property (IP) protection frameworks to safeguard innovation, preserve originality and unlock greater economic value across Africa’s expanding creative industries.
The call was made at a stakeholder workshop in Accra titled “Who Owns Your Work?” organised by Fashion Forum Africa in partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). The event brought together players from the fashion, textile, manufacturing and creative sectors to examine the role of intellectual property in strengthening competitiveness and supporting sustainable industry growth.
The workshop forms part of the build-up to the maiden Alternative Fashion Fabric Fair (Alt.FFF), scheduled to take place in Accra this September. Organisers say the initiative is designed to promote collaboration among stakeholders across the textile and fashion value chain while creating opportunities for trade, innovation and investment.
Addressing participants, Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industries, Mr Sampson Ahi, stressed the importance of deepening awareness and understanding of intellectual property rights among industry players.
He noted that as Africa’s fashion and textile industries gain increasing recognition on the global stage, greater attention must be paid to protecting local creativity, innovation and manufacturing capabilities.
Mr Ahi also praised initiatives such as the Alternative Fashion Fabric Fair for creating a platform that links industry, policy and trade discussions. He described the upcoming event as an important opportunity to strengthen intra-African collaboration and enhance Ghana’s role within the continent’s growing textile and apparel economy.
The workshop featured presentations and discussions on intellectual property protection, ownership rights and strategies for preserving African creativity and cultural heritage. Participants explored ways to strengthen institutional systems that support innovation while ensuring creators and businesses benefit from the commercial value of their work.
Speaking at the event, Founder of Fashion Forum Africa and Lead Curator of Alt.FFF, Ms Makeba Boateng, called for greater focus on the business and ownership dimensions of the fashion industry.
“Africa is receiving increasing global attention for its fashion industry, but we must also focus on the systems behind the industry materials, manufacturing, ownership and trade,” she said.
She noted that while the continent’s creative industries continue to attract international interest, long-term growth will depend on the ability of stakeholders to develop robust systems that protect intellectual assets and support local value creation.
For her part, AGI’s Sector Chair for Garment, Textile and Leather, Madam Edwina Assan, emphasised the importance of industry-wide education and collaboration. She said strengthening awareness of intellectual property rights and promoting structured business practices would be essential to improving competitiveness and encouraging investment across the sector.
Chairing the event, Mr Carl Ampah, Professional Officer for the Culture Sector at UNESCO Ghana Office, described intellectual property as a critical instrument for preserving cultural identity while promoting innovation and creative expression.
The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants, including representatives from government agencies, regulatory institutions, academia, manufacturing firms, development organisations, designers, artisans and media houses.
Among the institutions represented were the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, UNESCO Ghana, the Copyright Office of Ghana, the National Folklore Board, the Registrar-General’s Department, JACCD Design Institute Africa and the Ghana Culture Forum.
The inaugural Alternative Fashion Fabric Fair is scheduled to take place from September 17 to 19 at the Palms Convention Centre of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
The event is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the fibre, fabric, manufacturing, materials and trade ecosystem to promote market access, strengthen partnerships and increase the visibility of African-made products in regional and global markets.
