Ghana has become the first African country to sign an Accelerated Patent Grant (APG) arrangement with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This landmark agreement, signed on July 9, 2026, aims to significantly speed up the patent approval process for eligible US-granted patents in Ghana. The Registrar-General of Ghana, Grace Issahaque, and Under Secretary of Commerce and USPTO Director John A. Squires, formalized the deal in Geneva, Switzerland.
The APG process allows a patent applicant who has secured a US patent to request a corresponding patent grant from Ghana's intellectual property office (GHIPO). This work-sharing arrangement will operate for five years from the signing date. It is designed to enhance the efficiency of Ghana's patent examination process, reducing processing times while upholding the country's intellectual property standards.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic trajectory. Ghana's gross domestic product (GDP) reached 114 billion in 2025, marking it as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. The agreement also reflects existing strong intellectual property ties; in 2024, 33 percent of all foreign patent applications in Ghana originated from US-based filers. This new deal is expected to further solidify these connections and attract more innovation.
Under Secretary Squires emphasized the USPTO's commitment to strengthening relationships with intellectual property offices across Africa. He stated that this agreement with Ghana builds on previous efforts, including the installation of the USPTO's first intellectual property attaché for the region, Katherine Hiner, in Johannesburg, South Africa, last year. Ms. Hiner also highlighted the USPTO's role in empowering African creators through robust intellectual property protection.
The implications of this agreement are substantial for Ghana's economic development and its innovation ecosystem. Faster patent approvals can encourage foreign direct investment and technology transfer, as businesses gain quicker protection for their inventions. This efficiency could also stimulate local innovation by providing a clearer and more predictable path for intellectual property rights. Decision-makers will be watching for the release of GHIPO's guidelines, which will detail the implementation of the program and the process for US patent holders to utilize the arrangement.
This accelerated process is the tenth such arrangement signed by the USPTO globally, underscoring its importance. It positions Ghana as a leader in intellectual property protection on the continent. The move is expected to foster a more dynamic environment for research and development, ultimately contributing to Ghana's long-term economic growth and its standing as an attractive destination for technological advancement.