{
  "id": 7550088,
  "title": "GHIPO moves to secure global protection for Ghana’s Akpeteshie",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ghipo-moves-to-secure-global-protection-for-ghanas-akpeteshie",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T11:56:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghipo-moves-to-secure-global-protection-for-ghanas-akpeteshie/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana is taking measures to secure Geographical Indication (GI) protection for Akpeteshie, a traditional spirit, in an effort to safeguard its identity and competitiveness on the global stage. The Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO), under the Registrar-General's Department, is spearheading this initiative, which aims to standardize production, strengthen the Akpeteshie brand, and explore new export opportunities. This push was discussed at a national stakeholder consultation focused on \"Protecting Our Heritage, Promoting Our Future,\" which brought together various stakeholders including Akpeteshie producers, farmers, agricultural sector experts, and industry regulators.\n\nThe Registrar-General in charge of Intellectual Property, Grace Amanda Issahaque, highlighted that GI protection would preserve the heritage of Akpeteshie while boosting its commercial value. \"The goal of this engagement is to support local producers in leveraging GI protections to brand Akpeteshie effectively,\" she stated. According to her, such protection would enable local distillers to build on their traditional skills, enhance their international competitiveness, and protect the product's reputation. Dr. Courage Besah-Adanu, Head of the Geographical Indication Unit at the Registrar-General's Department, emphasized the necessity 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 standardization crucial for securing GI protection and establishing a robust international identity. \"We need to protect the standard of our local drinks like the Apio, and for that, we must regulate the industry and educate farmers on modern methods,\" he explained. Dr. Besah-Adanu also pointed out that promoting uniquely Ghanaian products like Akpeteshie could boost tourism and broader economic development.\n\nFrank Millen, CEO of Nanile Limited, noted that while Akpeteshie holds significant promise on international markets, producers must adopt modern technology while preserving its traditional essence. \"The Ghanaian Apio has a lot of potential on the international market, but before we can sell ourselves, we need to enhance our products,\" Millen said. He recognized the value of traditional production methods but emphasized the need for improved technologies to increase efficiency without compromising quality. Both local farmers and distillers have welcomed the GI initiative, though they stress that small-scale producers will need assistance in meeting certification standards, including access to modern processing equipment and improved production techniques to maintain consistent quality. A successful GI registration would provide Ghana with stronger legal protection over Akpeteshie's identity and reputation, helping differentiate the product in both domestic and international markets while upholding the traditional knowledge and production methods linked to one of Ghana's most celebrated indigenous spirits.",
  "summary": "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. 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…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Joy Business",
        "title": "GHIPO moves to secure global protection for Ghana’s Akpeteshie",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ghipo-moves-to-secure-global-protection-for-ghanas-akpeteshie",
        "published": "2026-09-15T11:56:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}