Copyright and folklore in Ghana: a question of national treatment

In 2005 Ghana introduced copyright legislation that protects folklore against unregulated use by Ghanaian nationals. effect, this means any national wishing to engage with their own cultural heritage in order develop a new commercial work must register intent and pay an undetermined fee the Copyright Office or National Folklore Board prior use. This is particularly problematic for Ghana’s industries, which, since independence 1957, have routinely developed works from heritage. At time law was being developed, approach justified as necessary ensure compliance principle of treatment: if intended charge non-nationals its folkloric property, then it bound through membership World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administered Berne Convention Trade Related Aspects Rights Agreement (TRIPs) do same Through analysis obligations set down these conventions, article interrogates position potential impact on industries.