Ghana is taking steps to secure Geographical Indication (GI) protection for Akpeteshie, in a move aimed at preserving the traditional spirit’s identity while creating new opportunities for producers in international markets.
The Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO), under the Registrar-General’s Department, is leading the process to register Akpeteshie, also known as APIO, as a protected Geographical Indication.
The initiative is expected to help standardise production, protect traditional production methods and strengthen the commercial identity of the locally produced spirit.
The process was discussed at a national stakeholder consultation organised under the theme: “Protecting Our Heritage, Promoting Our Future.”
The consultation brought together producers, farmers, agricultural stakeholders and industry regulators to discuss and validate the Book of Specifications required for the GI registration.
Mrs Grace Amanda Issahaque, Registrar-General in charge of Intellectual Property, said GI protection would enable producers to leverage the unique identity and heritage of Akpeteshie to build a stronger brand.
“The goal of this engagement is to support local producers in leveraging GI protections to brand Akpeteshie effectively,” she said.
She said the protection would also help local distillers build on their traditional expertise, improve their competitiveness in international markets and safeguard the reputation of the product.
Dr Courage Besah-Adanu, Head of the Geographical Indication Unit at the Registrar-General’s Department, said maintaining consistent quality and production standards would be critical to the success of the initiative.
He noted that Akpeteshie was produced across seven regions, making quality control and adherence to agreed production standards particularly important to securing and maintaining GI protection.
Dr Besah-Adanu said promoting uniquely Ghanaian products could generate wider economic benefits, including supporting tourism and creating opportunities for local businesses.
Mr Frank Millen, Chief Executive Officer of Nanile Limited, also highlighted the distinctive production methods used in making Akpeteshie and its growing potential in international markets.
Local farmers and distillers, while welcoming the GI initiative, called for greater support to help small-scale producers meet the required standards.
They particularly appealed for access to modern processing equipment and other technical support to improve production quality and consistency.
The GI protection, if secured, is expected to preserve traditional knowledge associated with Akpeteshie while giving the product a stronger identity and creating opportunities for producers to access higher-value local and export markets.
