Ghana has officially launched Kente as a Geographical Indication (GI) — a landmark move that not only safeguards one of the nation’s most iconic cultural symbols but also unlocks fresh economic opportunities for local weavers and artisans.
The new authenticity regime, initiated through a Swiss–Ghana Cooperation and supported by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), anchors Kente within the global system that connects products to their geographical origins. This ensures authenticity, traceability, and fair value for producers in weaving communities such as Adanwomase, Bonwire, Agotime Kpetoe, Agbozume, and Tafi Atome.
Described as “a turning point where heritage meets opportunity,” the GI certification means that all genuine Kente cloth will now carry QR-coded labels that allow buyers to verify authenticity at the point of purchase. This innovation protects both artisans and consumers — ensuring that any Kente not traceable to a registered weaver or community is recognized as counterfeit.
With this milestone, Kente joins a prestigious global league of heritage products such as Champagne (France) and Darjeeling Tea (India) — products whose quality and reputation are tied to their place of origin.
The initiative builds on a multi-year effort, beginning with the Swiss–Ghana Intellectual Property Cooperation Project, strengthened by Ghana’s 2021 accession to WIPO’s Geneva Act system, and culminating in this historic launch in Accra. The ceremony brought together master weavers, government officials, legal experts, and WIPO representatives in celebration of Ghana’s innovation in cultural protection.
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This development follows another proud achievement — UNESCO’s 2024 inscription of traditional Kente weaving on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — spotlighting Ghana’s living traditions among Asante and Ewe communities.
Speaking at the launch, Loretta Asiedu, Director of WIPO Division for Africa, described the Kente GI as a model for Africa and beyond, emphasizing that it “protects and promotes Kente not merely as a textile, but as a living symbol of Ghanaian creativity and resilience.”
Grace Ama Issahaque, Registrar-General of Ghana, highlighted that the milestone fulfills a vision dating back to the Geographical Indications Act of 2003 (Act 659), which identified Kente as a national product deserving protection.
Ghanaian Chiefs in Kente
For Ghanaian artisans, the GI mark represents a new chapter of recognition and reward — allowing only licensed producers who meet national quality standards to market cloth as authentic Kente. This framework enhances global trust, supports compliance, and channels value back to the origin communities.
Dr. Courage Besah-Adanu, Head of the GI Unit of the Ghana Industrial Property Office, noted that the combined force of UNESCO’s recognition and WIPO’s protection elevates Kente as both a cultural diplomacy tool and an export-ready brand.
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For global buyers and the diaspora, the QR-enabled label guarantees that every Kente purchased tells a genuine story of artistry, heritage, and pride — woven by the hands of Ghana’s master craftsmen.
At Bizexcel Partners, we celebrate this milestone as a shining example of how intellectual property protection can drive economic inclusion, cultural preservation, and brand authenticity. This achievement reinforces Ghana’s position as a leader in creative innovation and sustainable cultural enterprise.
