Ghana has designated every Wednesday as a day to wear the country’s traditional outfit, the fugu, days after it sparked an online debate with Zambians.
The garment gained prominence last week when President John Dramani Mahama wore it during a state visit to Zambia, where some mockingly called it a “blouse,” prompting a fierce response from Ghanaians online.
Ghana’s Minister for Tourism Abla Dzifa Gomashie said on Tuesday that wearing the outfit every week would help project the country’s identity “with pride on the global stage”.
She encouraged wearing the outfit “in all its diverse forms, designs, and expressions, complemented by its distinctive and beautiful accessories”.
The fugu, also known as batakari, is a traditional northern Ghanaian top made from hand‑woven, narrow strips of thick cotton fabric stitched together to form a structured, poncho‑style garment.
Beyond its cultural importance, Gomashie said the outfit’s weekly display would “generate far-reaching social and economic benefits” especially for local weavers, designers, artisans and traders.
“The government hopes that this collective embrace of Fugu will strengthen national unity, stimulate the creative economy, and serve as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s cultural confidence and self-expression,” the minister added.
The iconic outfit has been trending on social media for days following the banter between Ghanaians and Zambians.
The debate prompted Ghanaians, including MPs, to flood social media proudly showcasing their fugus, while Zambians featured wearing their traditional outfits known as siziba.
The online exchange attracted the attention of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who announced that his country would order fugus from Ghana.
President Mahama also suggested exporting the smock in bulk to Zambia.
While emphasizing the fugu’s cultural and political significance, Mahama noted that Ghana’s founding father and Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah wore it on Independence Day in 1957, and that he himself had recently worn it proudly to the UN.
By Anthony Solly
