Ghana Fashion Voices Call for Stronger Intellectual Property (IP) Rules.”

Ghana Fashion Voices Call for Stronger IP Rules to Protect Cultural Heritage

Ghanaian fashion industry stakeholders have called for stronger intellectual property (IP) protection to safeguard the country's cultural products and support local designers, creators and traditional artisans.

The call was made during a panel discussion at the Black Star Fashion Summit held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, as part of activities marking the 2026 Black Star Fashion Week.

The discussion focused on the theme, “How Do We Put Ghana On? Kente, Culture and the Power of Our Story.” Participants discussed the importance of protecting Ghana's cultural identity and finding ways to promote local products to the international market.

One of the major concerns raised was the need to protect traditional fabrics and designs, especially kente, which is an important symbol of Ghanaian culture and identity. Kente is more than just a piece of cloth; it represents the history, creativity and traditions of the Ghanaian people. However, without proper protection, local designs and cultural products may be copied or used by others without giving credit or fair benefits to the original creators.

Dr Courage Besah-Adanu, Head of the Geographical Indications Unit at the Ghana Industrial Property Office, explained that kente should be treated as a shared cultural asset that deserves proper protection. He also mentioned other Ghanaian products, such as fugu and shea butter, which have cultural and commercial value.

He further explained that geographical indications can help protect products whose reputation and special qualities are connected to particular places and communities. This would help Ghana maintain ownership and recognition of its traditional products.

Another important issue discussed was the lack of proper branding and marketing of locally produced goods. Gideon Aryeetey, Secretary of the Creative Arts Council, noted that many Ghanaian creatives have talent and produce quality work, but their products do not always receive the attention they deserve. He also spoke about plans to introduce registration and licensing systems to help regulate creative businesses and protect their interests.

Stronger intellectual property rules would be beneficial to fashion designers, tailors, weavers, artists and other creative workers. It would help them receive recognition for their ideas and hard work while reducing the unauthorised use of their designs. It could also encourage more young people to develop their talents and see fashion and creativity as valuable career opportunities.

The panel also stressed the importance of educating creatives and artisans about intellectual property rights so they can understand how to protect their work.

In conclusion, protecting Ghana's cultural products is not only about preserving tradition but also about creating economic opportunities. Ghana has a rich cultural heritage that deserves recognition both locally and internationally. With stronger laws, proper education, good branding and government support, the country can protect its cultural identity, reward its creative people and make Ghanaian fashion more competitive in the global market.