Ghana has become the first African country to sign an Accelerated Patent Grant (APG) Agreement with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), opening the way for faster patent approvals and stronger protection for innovators and businesses.

The agreement was signed on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, by the Registrar-General of Ghana and Head of the Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO), Madam Grace Ama Issahaque, and the Director of the USPTO, Mr John A. Squires.

The agreement allows applicants who have already received a patent from the USPTO to request an accelerated grant of a corresponding patent application in Ghana. Under the arrangement, the Ghana Industrial Property Office can rely on the patent examination already carried out by the USPTO, reducing the time required to process applications while maintaining the quality and integrity of Ghana’s patent system.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Madam Issahaque said the agreement marks a new chapter in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen intellectual property administration and create an environment that supports innovation and investment.

“This agreement will make it easier and faster for inventors and businesses to secure patent protection in Ghana. It also reflects our commitment to building an efficient intellectual property system that supports research, innovation, technology transfer and economic development,” she said.

She added that the partnership would improve access to intellectual property protection while creating greater confidence for investors and innovators seeking to commercialise new technologies in Ghana.

The agreement is expected to improve the efficiency of patent examination in Ghana by reducing duplication in the review process and speeding up decisions on eligible applications.

The partnership is also expected to encourage technology transfer, attract investment and strengthen Ghana’s position as a destination for innovation-driven businesses.

The agreement is the tenth Accelerated Patent Grant arrangement signed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the first with an African country.

It places Ghana among a select group of countries working with the United States to speed up patent processing and strengthen international cooperation in intellectual property protection.