Ghana's kente has become the nation’s first-ever Geographical Indication (GI) product.

This means kente is formally identified as original to Ghana, bringing with it a boost in marketing and value for producers and communities.

Richardson Commey Fio, Special Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, remarked, “It was refreshing and nostalgic for me to be a part of this all-important event to witness the end product of what we have supported with our expertise for the past seven years.”

The recognition came via a September 30, 2025, event at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, organised by the Registrar General’s Department in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

GI is an intellectual property right that officially acknowledges a product's roots, pointing the world, consumers and collectors to authentic sources and culture. It also helps highlight origin-linked products, providing an opportunity to harness their potential culturally and economically. 

France has a GI for Champagne, Mexico for Tequila, India for Darjeeling tea. 

In December 2024, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) successfully had kente listed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Regions that are prominent for kente are Ashanti, Volta, and Northern.