- Emmanuel Osei describes GIPA Bill 2025 as a major step to improve Ghana’s technology transfer framework
- New law will require banks to verify TTA certificates before foreign exchange payments
- Backdating of agreements within 30 days and penalties for late submission introduced
Emmanuel Osei, Head of the Technology Transfer Agreement Department at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), has described the proposed Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) Bill 2025 as a significant step toward strengthening Ghana’s technology transfer framework.
“The GIPA Bill 2025 aims to establish a more efficient and responsive system for regulating Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) while promoting and facilitating technology transfers in Ghana,” he said.
Speaking at a UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) webinar titled “Technology Transfer Agreements: Updates and Changes,” moderated by Theophilus Tawiah, Managing Partner of WTS Nobisfields, Osei explained Ghana’s current regulatory landscape and how the GIPA Bill 2025 will enhance technology transfer administration.
Key reforms include collaboration with banks to ensure that only valid, registered TTAs are used for foreign exchange remittances. “Currently, banks are not legally required to verify TTA certificates before processing transfers,” Osei noted. “Under the new law, banks will be directly responsible for authenticating certificates with GIPC before payments are processed.”
The Bill also introduces provisions for backdating agreements submitted within 30 days of execution and sets penalties for late submissions. “This will address a major challenge companies face: being unable to pay fees for services already rendered,” he added.
Simplifying the Registration Process
Technology Transfer involves transferring industrial property rights, technical support, technical know-how, or management services between a foreign entity and a Ghanaian company.
“When an agreement is registered, we can monitor and ensure that fees are fair and that the local company truly benefits from the knowledge transfer,” Osei said.
He emphasized that a TTA is more than a legal formality; it is the conduit through which knowledge, innovation, and capital flow into Ghana’s economy. Yet many businesses still face difficulties navigating the registration process at GIPC.
To address this, Osei highlighted the Centre’s efforts to simplify procedures and modernize the legal framework to attract more foreign investment. “GIPC has established a dedicated Technology Transfer Department to expedite applications,” he explained.
The new department has improved efficiency, cutting approval times from eight weeks to four. “We now invite applicants for meetings to resolve issues before issuing formal feedback, rather than just sending letters,” he added.
Previously, registering a TTA required detailed documents such as a draft agreement, company certificates, training schedules, fee forecasts, and proof of industrial property ownership. Recognizing that some requirements can be challenging for new businesses, GIPC now allows flexibility. “Companies without five years of audited accounts can submit a feasibility plan instead,” Osei said.
Practical Guidance and Common Pitfalls
Osei advised companies to pay attention to governing law and training clauses in their agreements. “A TTA must be governed by Ghanaian law and include clear training provisions for local staff. This ensures genuine knowledge transfer, not just payment of fees,” he said.
He also warned against restrictive clauses like grant-back or exclusivity terms, which are not permissible under Ghanaian law.
Moderator Theophilus Tawiah added that clear and consistent compliance should be seen as a confidence-building measure for investors rather than a hurdle. “Transparent systems make it easier for investors to trust the process and for local businesses to benefit,” he said.
The webinar was part of UKGCC’s Mandatory Regulatory Compliance Series, supporting its mission to facilitate dialogue between the private sector and regulatory authorities.
