Ghana’s famous Kente fabric has received global recognition as the nation’s first Geographical Indication (GI) product. A GI label links a product to its place of origin, ensuring its quality and reputation are protected by law.
This milestone was celebrated on September 30 at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. The ceremony, organised by the Registrar General’s Department with support from WIPO, brought together major stakeholders in the creative arts industry. With this recognition, Kente joins iconic products like France’s Champagne, Mexico’s Tequila, and India’s Darjeeling tea. The GI status guarantees that Kente is exclusively Ghanaian, offering authenticity for global buyers.
It also opens fresh economic opportunities for weavers and local communities who rely on the craft. The recognition follows Ghana’s success in securing Kente’s listing on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list last year.