As the importance of intellectual property rights for economic growth and development are increasingly recognized by governments worldwide, the West African nation of Ghana is one country that has made strides in advancing intellectual property enforcement.

According to a recent Ghana News Agency report, trade specialist Gretchen Evans recently praised the country's efforts to further intellectual property mechanisms in a talk at the U.S. embassy in Accra.

Evans said the Ghanaian government has taken important steps over the last six years to boost intellectual property rights. A number of government agencies have been mobilized in these efforts, including the Registrar General's Department, the High Court, the Ghana Standards Board, the Ghana Police Service and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Heather Byrnes, commercial counsellor at the U.S. embassy in Accra, reiterated Evans' praise and described Ghana as a "shining star" in Africa, seen by many as a good location for business, with a fast-growing economy.

According to Byrnes, the strengthening of intellectual property rights in the county will likely help to further strengthen its economy, creating a fertile climate for local and foreign businesses alike.