Ghana is stepping up efforts to secure Geographical Indication (GI) protection for Akpeteshie, in a move aimed at safeguarding the identity of the traditional spirit and positionin
The report indicates that ghana is stepping up efforts to secure Geographical Indication (GI) protection for Akpeteshie, in a move aimed at safeguarding the identity of the traditional spirit and positioning it for greater competition on international markets.
It further notes that the initiative is being led by the Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO) under the Registrar-General’s Department and is expected to help local producers standardise production, strengthen the Akpeteshie brand and explore new export opportunities.
The push was discussed at a national stakeholder consultation held under the theme “Protecting Our Heritage, Promoting Our Future.”
The meeting brought together Akpeteshie producers, farmers, agricultural stakeholders and industry regulators to discuss and validate the Book of Specifications required for the registration of Akpeteshie, popularly known as Apio, as a protected Geographical Indication.
Speaking to journalists, the Registrar-General in charge of Intellectual Property, Grace Amanda Issahaque, stated GI protection would preserve the heritage associated with Akpeteshie while enhancing its commercial value.
“The goal of this engagement is to support local producers in leveraging GI protections to brand Akpeteshie effectively,” she said.
According to her, the protection would allow local distillers to build on their traditional skills, improve their ability to compete internationally and protect the reputation of the product.
The Head of the Geographical Indication Unit at the Registrar-General’s Department, Dr Courage Besah-Adanu, emphasised the importance of establishing strict quality standards and consistency in the production of Akpeteshie.
He noted that the spirit is produced across seven regions of Ghana, making standardisation particularly important if the product is to secure GI protection and build a strong international identity.
“It is important that we protect the standard of our local drinks like the Apio and for us to do that we need to regulate the industry as well as educate the farmers on adopting modern methods of getting their products,” he said.
“We must not tamper with the quality of our indigenous Ghanaian drink.”
Dr Besah-Adanu also stated promoting uniquely Ghanaian products such as Akpeteshie could contribute to tourism and wider economic development.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nanile Limited, Frank Millen, stated Akpeteshie has significant potential on international markets but urged producers to embrace modern technology without compromising the traditional character of the drink.
“The Ghanaian Apio has a lot of potential on the international market, but before we can sell ourselves, we need to enhance our products,” he said.
