Ghana protects Kente cloth through new legal measures

The government of Ghana has implemented geographical indications to protect Kente, the nation’s traditional cloth, from imitations and to safeguard its cultural authenticity. This legal protection aims to secure the livelihoods of weavers by ensuring the quality and origin of the fabric are recognized, particularly in international markets.

While the Kente industry generates millions of dollars annually, artisans have faced challenges from counterfeit products and a lack of local raw materials. The new measures are expected to help weavers organize, establish quality standards, and access better business support. For individual artisans, such as Emmanuel Kofi Atsisey, the global standing of Kente provides pride, though the labor-intensive process—where complex designs can take up to six weeks—often requires significant effort to sustain a living.