With Ghana seeing gradual technological advancements, some legal practitioners are calling for interlace of law and technology.

The legal professionals believe the merger would enhance economic transactions and social transformation in the country.

Co-General Editor of the African Journal of International and Comparative Law, Professor Kofi Oteng Kufuor, observed that most Ghanaians in the legal fraternity do not regard the close link between law and technology.

He made the observation at the first KNUST Eminent Legal Scholars Public Lecture series, which brought together notable Ghanaian legal practitioners, faculty members and students.  

The lecture was themed; “A very convenient Marriage: Law and Technology in the quest for Economic Transformation.”

Keynote Speaker, Professor Kofi Oteng Kufour, indicated that merging law with technology would facilitate reduction in non-market costs of doing business.

“Through the use of technology, the society becomes more efficient in terms of reducing non-market costs such as policing agreements, finding business partners and negotiating contracts,” he said.

Professor Oteng Kufour also noted the merger would ensure value creating activities through collective action for political and social purposes.

“Industrial revolutions started and made its biggest stride in England because of her unique institutions.

“It was the Glorious Revolution that strengthened and rationalised property rights, improved financial markets, undermined state sanctioned monopolies in foreign trade, and removed the barriers to the expansion of industry.

“It was glorious revolution that made the political system open and responsive to the economic needs and aspirations of society,” he added.

Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Lawyer Ernest Abotsi, indicated the judiciary and legal apparatus needed adequate capacity building to address the loose intellectual property regime in Ghana.

According to him, Ghana’s intellectual property regime, which stems from technology, is not well-developed.

“Our Intellectual Property regime is not well-developed, there is still room for improvement. In the absence of legal assurances, technology doesn’t advance, innovation and creativity are stifled.

“So, technology is a very good medium for unleashing creativity and for promotion," he said.