Ghana declares Wednesday 'Fugu Day' to promote traditional outfit after online mockery

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.

It is worn by traditional leaders in northern Ghana, as well as ordinary citizens, and is a symbol of royalty and authority.

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.

Following the announcement, many Ghanaians on Wednesday heeded the minister's call, wearing the outfit in a variety of colours across the country.

The iconic outfit has been trending on social media for days following the banter between Ghanaians and Zambians.

This revived a cultural movement on social media, with Ghanaians informally declaring "Fugu Friday" to showcase the outfits. Fridays had been designated by the previous government as a day where people were encouraged to wear traditional clothes.

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 emphasising 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.

Other presidents, including Nana Akufo-Addo, John Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings, have also embraced and publicly promoted the outfit.

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