An Evaluation of Honey Produced in the Volta Region of Ghana Towards Certification as a Geographical Indications (GI) Product

Abstract

Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property identifying a product as originating from a region/locality/territory where its quality and reputation is associated with its geographical origin. GIs are considered as a place - specific quality assurance initiative that enhances the monetary value of a product, hence increase producers’ premium. Honey produced by the honeybee (Apis mellefera) is the most commercialized hive product in Ghana. The country may have the opportunity to promote unique honey products through geographical indications (GIs), to improve the economic livelihood of the numerous honey producers across the country, the environment by way of biodiversity conservation, and the country through foreign exchange. Yet very little is known about the potential of Ghanaian honeys in terms of development and promotion through GIs. The same holds for botanical and geographical origins, quality, what a GI honey is and whether Ghanaian consumers appreciate information on food labels and are even aware of the concept of GIs. GI product in Ghana. This study seeks to increase knowledge about the concept of geographical indications. The investigations also assessed how the GI concept could be introduced to the Ghanaian consumer by assessing how they utilise information of food labels and how familiar they arc with a GI label. The study took place in the Volta Region (for the main honey case studies) and the Greater Accra Region (for consumer studies). In the Volta Region, four honey producing districts (Kadjebi, Adaklu, Ho west and Akatsi south) were selected for the studies. Data were collected from local producer groups on honey production processes, harvesting and extraction as well as how honey quality is ensured among producers. Honey samples were also analysed for pollen and physico-chemical qualities. Results from pollen and quality analysis together with personal observations enabled the determination of botanical and geographical origins of the honeys and their quality parameters within international standards. Results on food label appreciation and GI awareness by consumers enables the interpretation of how the Ghanaian consumer could be engaged in terms of reaching them with the GI concept and its benefits. The main investigation was premised on four research questions stemming from the overall objective of the study.