The Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Agyapa Mercer, emphasized the challenges posed by technological advancements on copyright during a three-day workshop in Accra. Addressing Directors General of Copyright Offices from the West Africa sub-region, Mr. Agyapa Mercer highlighted the crossroads of creativity and innovation that the cultural and creative industries face, where copyright plays a crucial role.
“We must acknowledge the challenges we face. The rapid advancement of technology has complicated the landscape of copyright. From piracy to unauthorized use of creative works, these issues demand our immediate attention and action,” Agyapa said.
He stressed that copyright is more than just a legal framework—it is the foundation upon which arts and culture thrive. It enables creators, artists, and cultural practitioners to gain recognition and receive rewards for their contributions to society.
Mr. Agyapa Mercer urged the workshop participants to safeguard intellectual property rights, noting their pivotal role in implementing copyright laws and fostering an environment where creativity can flourish. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that artists, creators, and cultural practitioners are fairly compensated for their work.
He also acknowledged ECOWAS’s contributions to strengthening the intellectual property landscape within the sub-region. “ECOWAS has made significant strides in building capacity among its member states, assessing the status of copyright offices, and fostering collaboration with international organizations. This has been instrumental in addressing copyright challenges,” he added.
The workshop aimed to advance the implementation of directives harmonizing provisions related to remuneration rights for private copying across UEMOA member states. It also sought to build on progress made in harmonization within the UEMOA region and adopt a broader strategy for aligning private copying regulations across all ECOWAS member states. The event was organized by the ECOWAS Commission.
