- Kente cloth is now Ghana’s first officially recognized Geographical Indication (GI) product
- GI status protects products tied to specific regions, boosting authenticity and economic value
- Launch event held on September 30 at La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, organized with WIPO
Ghana’s iconic cultural textile, Kente, has officially gained global recognition as the country’s first-ever Geographical Indication (GI) product.
A Geographical Indication is a form of intellectual property that links a product’s identity, quality, and reputation to its geographical origin—ensuring authenticity and preserving heritage.
For local producers and communities, this status offers enhanced brand value and increased economic potential.
The official launch took place on September 30 at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, marking a significant milestone for Ghana’s cultural and creative arts sector. The event was organised by the Registrar General’s Department in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and attracted key stakeholders from across the creative industry.
With this recognition, Kente joins the ranks of globally protected cultural products like Champagne (France), Tequila (Mexico), and Darjeeling tea (India)—all deeply tied to tradition and protected by international law.
For Ghana, it means Kente is now officially and exclusively Ghanaian—ensuring authenticity for buyers worldwide and creating new economic opportunities for local weavers and artisans.
This achievement follows Kente’s inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, secured by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in December.
Reacting to the occasion, Richardson Commey Fio, Special Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, shared his pride:
“It was refreshing and nostalgic for me to witness the outcome of what we’ve supported with our expertise for the past seven years.”
