Kente has finally earned global protection, proving it’s not just cloth but Ghana’s pride.

• Kente named Ghana’s first GI product.

• Boosts brand, markets, and authenticity.

• Launched Sept 30 with WIPO; joins Champagne, Tequila, Darjeeling tea.

• Follows UNESCO listing; seven years of effort.

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Kente, Ghana’s famous woven cloth, has gained international approval as the country’s first product under Geographical Indication (GI).

GI means a product is legally linked to its place of origin, showing that its value and quality come from that location.

This status helps local makers build stronger brands and opens doors to bigger markets.

The launch took place on September 30 at La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, led by the Registrar General’s Department with support from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

With this recognition, Kente joins world-famous items like French Champagne, Mexican Tequila, and India’s Darjeeling tea—each protected worldwide because of their deep cultural roots.

For Ghana, this confirms that Kente belongs solely to the nation, assuring buyers worldwide of its true origin while creating fresh economic opportunities for local weavers and their communities.

The achievement adds to Ghana’s cultural milestones, following the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts’ success in securing Kente’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list last December.

Sharing his thoughts, Richardson Commey Fio, Special Assistant to the Tourism Minister, expressed his delight.

“For me, it was both uplifting and nostalgic to witness the outcome of seven years of dedicated work we’ve supported with our expertise,” he said.

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