Ghana’s iconic Kente cloth has been granted international recognition and protection under the United Nations Geographical Indications (GI) framework. This status ensures that only cloth woven in designated Ghanaian communities can be marketed worldwide as authentic Kente.
The initiative, overseen by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), places Kente among globally protected cultural products such as Champagne from France and India’s Darjeeling tea. The move aims to curb counterfeiting, safeguard Ghana’s cultural heritage, and provide stronger economic opportunities for traditional weavers.
At the official launch in Accra, artisans, cultural leaders, legal experts, and government officials gathered to celebrate the milestone. Registrar-General Grace Ama Issahaque emphasized that Kente is more than clothing, describing it as a fabric that embodies wisdom, tradition, and values. She noted that the GI protection will secure its authenticity and sustain weaving communities for generations to come.
WIPO’s Africa Director, Loretta Asiedu, hailed the recognition as a victory for Ghana, calling Kente “a legacy, a language, and a source of pride.” She praised weaving towns such as Bonwire, Adanwomase, Kpetoe, and Agbozume for preserving the craft through centuries.
The registration process, which began in 2017 with Swiss support, also opens the door for Ghana to extend similar protection to other traditional products.
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