The Registrar-General’s Department (RGD), through the Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO), has partnered with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to equip women agripreneurs with knowledge on intellectual property protection and trademark registration.

The initiative, held in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, formed part of the Women in Agripreneurs Capacity Enhancement and Mentorship Scheme (WACEMS).

It brought together 50 women agripreneurs from various segments of the agricultural value chain for training on Ghana’s intellectual property framework and trademark registration, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The training introduced participants to the fundamentals of intellectual property, with emphasis on the importance of protecting business brands, products and innovations.

Participants were also educated on the commercial benefits of trademarks and how effective brand protection could enable businesses to establish strong market identities, enhance product value and improve their competitiveness.

The sessions further covered the requirements for trademark protection, the registration process and effective management of trademarks after registration.

The intervention is expected to encourage participating businesses to register their trademarks to legally protect their brands and position their products for greater market recognition and commercial growth.

The collaboration forms part of broader efforts by the RGD and its partners to empower women in agribusiness with practical knowledge and tools to build competitive and sustainable enterprises.

Through such interventions, the RGD, through GHIPO, continues to promote awareness of intellectual property protection as an important tool for innovation, brand development and business growth.

The initiative also underscores the growing importance of intellectual property rights in helping agribusinesses protect their innovations, strengthen their brands and maximise opportunities in local and international markets.

Judith Twumwaa, ISD