Technology has complicated the landscape of copyright – Agyapa Mercer

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Agyapa Mercer, has highlighted the impact of technological advancement on copyright.
He made this statement while addressing Directors General of Copyright Offices in the West Africa sub-region at the opening of a three-day workshop on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra.
He said people in the cultural and creative industries are at crossroads of creativity and innovation where copyright plays a vital role in the dispensation of creativity.

“…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,” he said.
Agyapa indicated that copyright is not just a legal framework; it is by extension, the foundation upon which arts and culture thrive.

He further noted that copyright enables inventors/creators, artists, and cultural practitioners to gain recognition get rewarded for their invaluable contributions to society.

He therefore charged the participants of the workshop to take decisions that will help protect the intellectual property rights of creatives.
“Agyapa indicated that copyright is not just a legal framework; it is by extension, the foundation upon which arts and culture thrive.

He further noted that copyright enables inventors/creators, artists, and cultural practitioners to gain recognition get rewarded for their invaluable contributions to society.

He therefore charged the participants of the workshop to take decisions that will help protect the intellectual property rights of creatives.
The workshop was meant to advance the implementation the directive on harmonizing provision related to the right to renumeration for private copying with UEMOA Member States.

The programme also aims to build on the advancements made in the harmonization process within the UEMOA area, in order to achieve a broader harmonization across the Region.

Organised the ECOWAS Commission, this workshop, most importantly is targeted at adopting a strategy for the harmonisation of private copying in all ECOWAS member states.