Ghana Intellectual Property Office Hosts Stakeholder Meeting to Secure Geographical Indication Status for Akpeteshie



                 Story by Azaglo Michael 


ACCRA, Ghana — The Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO), operating under the Registrar General’s Department, has convened a national stakeholder meeting focused on securing Geographical Indication (GI) protection for locally produced Akpeteshie (popularly known as APIO).


Held under the theme "Protecting Our Heritage, Promoting Our Future," the consultation brought together spirit producers, agricultural stakeholders, and industry regulators from across the country. Discussions centered on developing, validating, and promoting the official Book of Specifications required to register APIO as a protected Geographical Indication.

Securing Global Market Standards




Addressing journalists at the event, Mrs. Grace Amanda Issahaque, Registrar General in charge of Intellectual Property, emphasized that standardizing the local spirit through intellectual property rights will protect its heritage and enhance its export potential.


Mrs. Grace Amanda Issahaque, Registrar General in charge of Intellectual Property,


"The goal of this engagement is to support local producers in leveraging GI protections to brand Akpeteshie effectively," Issahaque stated. 


"This enables local distillers to leverage their traditional skill sets, compete on global markets, and prevent the reputation of this local product from diminishing."




Value Chain Expansion and Consistency

Dr. Courage Besah-Adanu, Head of the Geographical Indication Unit at the Registrar General’s Department, highlighted the need for strict quality control and scale. He noted that Akpeteshie production spans seven regions across Ghana, making consistency vital for its success as a national export.


Dr. Courage Besah-Adanu, Head of the Geographical Indication Unit at the Registrar General’s Department


Besah-Adanu also urged a broader view of economic development, noting that tourism initiatives should extend beyond entertainment to include uniquely branded, high-quality domestic products.


Supporting the economic potential of the beverage, Mr. Frank Millen, CEO of Nanile Limited, detailed the distinct production methods of Ghanaian Akpeteshie and its unique value proposition in the international spirits market.




Local Producers Call for Equipment Support

Smallholder farmers and distillers welcomed the push for standardized quality guidelines, noting the practical benefits for rural livelihoods.


Mr. David Ayachi, a local palm wine farmer, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating that adhering to formal standards will elevate local craftsmanship. He called on the government to assist producers with modern processing equipment to help them meet the required GI benchmarks.

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