Ghana has officially launched “National Fugu Day,” a government-backed initiative that encourages citizens to wear the traditional hand-woven smock every Wednesday. The initiative aims to promote cultural pride while supporting the local textile industry.
The move was prompted by an incident during President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia. The President wore the Fugu, but some online users mockingly called it a “blouse,” sparking a strong response from Ghanaians.
Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie announced the initiative on February 10, explaining that wearing the outfit every week would project Ghana’s identity with pride globally. She encouraged citizens to embrace it “in all its diverse forms, designs, and expressions, complemented by its distinctive and beautiful accessories.”
The traditional Fugu, also known as Batakari, is typically associated with men, who wear it with matching trousers and hats. Women also wear a version, which can be styled longer or as a dress.
The economic impact of Fugu Day is already visible. Artisans in Accra and northern Ghana report rising demand. Abigail Naki Gabor, secretary of Ghana’s smock weavers and sellers association, highlighted the increased workload. Moses Adibasa, an artisan at the Accra Arts and Crafts Centre, said:
“It will benefit those selling thread, those weaving and those of us sewing.”
Trader Clement Azaabire added:
“Stock is selling out as more people adopt the trend.”
Designers are also modernizing the fabric. Perfectual Linnan, founder of Roots by Linnan, is transforming it into jackets and trousers. She explained:
“We want to show that you can wear the northern fabric in different ways. If you’re not into the traditional smock, you can still carry a piece of culture with you.”
She also cautioned:
“It is a careful, intentional process. If we treat it only as a commodity and not as heritage, we lose something important.”
Members of Parliament have voiced strong support. Hon. Grace Ayensu-Danquah said:
“Its tightly woven nature symbolizes strength, authority, culture, pride and unity.”
Businessman Wango Abdul Karim added:
“It makes me feel connected to where I come from.”
Fugu Day also highlights Ghana’s historical and political heritage. When Ghana gained independence in 1957, founding father Kwame Nkrumah and five others wore fugus during celebrations. President Mahama recently referenced this history, noting that he has proudly worn the Fugu at the UN. Other presidents, including Nana Akufo-Addo, John Kufuor, and Jerry John Rawlings, have also publicly embraced the attire.
The government hopes that this collective embrace will strengthen national unity, stimulate the creative economy, and generate social and economic benefits for weavers, designers, and traders.
On Wednesday, many Ghanaians heeded the call. Bismark Owusu Sarpong in Accra shared with the BBC:
“I am proud to wear my blue, white and black striped fugu. It puts Ghana on the map, and it’s very comfortable.”
The initiative has even attracted international attention. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema announced that his country will order fugus from Ghana, while President Mahama suggested exporting the smock in bulk to Zambia.
By institutionalizing Fugu Day, Ghana aims to sustain this cultural revival and support thousands of artisans whose livelihoods depend on this centuries-old craft.
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