The Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO) is stepping up efforts to secure Geographical Indication (GI) protection for Akpeteshie, a move expected to safeguard the identity of Ghana’s traditional spirit and position it more competitively on the global market.
The initiative, being led by GHIPO under the Registrar-General’s Department, seeks to help local producers standardise production, strengthen the Akpeteshie brand and unlock new export opportunities.
At a national stakeholder consultation held under the theme, “Protecting Our Heritage, Promoting Our Future,” producers, agricultural stakeholders and industry regulators discussed the development and validation of the Book of Specifications required to register Akpeteshie, popularly known as APIO, as a protected Geographical Indication.
Speaking to journalists, the Registrar-General in charge of Intellectual Property, Mrs Grace Amanda Issahaque, said GI protection would help preserve the heritage of Akpeteshie while improving its commercial value.
“The goal of this engagement is to support local producers in leveraging GI protections to brand Akpeteshie effectively,” she said.
She noted that the protection would enable local distillers to build on their traditional skills, compete in international markets and safeguard the reputation of the product.
The Head of the Geographical Indication Unit at the Registrar-General’s Department, Dr Courage Besah-Adanu, stressed the need for strict quality standards and consistency, particularly as Akpeteshie is produced across seven regions of Ghana.
He said promoting uniquely Ghanaian products such as Akpeteshie could also support tourism and broader economic development.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nanile Limited, Mr Frank Millen, highlighted the distinctive production methods and growing international potential of Ghanaian Akpeteshie.
Meanwhile, local farmers and distillers have welcomed the initiative but called for support, including modern processing equipment, to help small-scale producers meet the standards required for GI certification.
If successful, the move is expected to protect Ghana’s traditional production knowledge, strengthen the Akpeteshie brand and create new opportunities for producers in local and international markets.
By Kingsley Adusei-Amakye
