The President of the Republic of Ghana as at 10th February, 2026 designated Wednesday as a day to wear Ghana’s traditional outfit – Fugu, days after it sparked online debate with Zambians. The garment gained prominence when President Mahama wore it to Zambia for a three-day state visit on bilateral talks with President Hakainde Hichilema, where some members of Zambia called the outfit – “Blouse”, prompting a healthy fierce response from Ghanaians online.
In some of the responses, Ghanaians trolled Zambians in pictures with questions like – what are the differences between their male and female outfits called – “Siziba”, and ensuring to prove to them, the importance of Ghana’s traditional outfit (Fugu), which was even worn by Ghana’s First President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during his declaration of Independence for Ghana on 6th March, 1957.
Ghana’s Minister for Tourism – Abla Dzifa Gomashie on the other hand, also stated that, wearing the fugu outfit every week will help project and promote Ghana’s identity with pride on the global stage. Therefore, she encouraged all to wear the outfit in all its diverse forms, designs and expressions complimented by its distinctive and beautiful accessories. Again, she mentioned that weekly display of this outfit will not only end there, but will create a path to generate far reaching social and economic benefits especially; for Local Weavers, Designers, Artisans and Traders. Also, the government hopes that this collective embrace of the outfit (fugu) will strengthen National Unity, stimulate a creative economy and serve as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s cultural confidence and self-expression, she said.
Following the President’s announcement, many Ghanaians including Members of Parliament today, also heeded the call and wore their fugu outfit in variety of colours across the country. This resurgence of cultural heritage has proven to positively bolster local traditions and community identity, where it is acting as a constructive force to preserve, celebrate and transmit intangible heritage to future generations.
About Fugu
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 particularly, as well as ordinary citizens where, it symbolizes Royalty and Authority in one’s cultural heritage. It’s also traditionally associated with men, who usually wear trousers and hat in matching material. Women sometimes also wear this Fugu outfit, usually styled longer or as a dress to portray Ghana’s Culture.
Details of Prez Mahama Three-Day State Visit in Zambia
President Mahama together with his wife Lordina Mahama, arrived in Lusaka – Zambia on 4th February, 2026 at the invitation of Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema. The engagement which was held on a bilateral talk was centered on matters of mutual interest including strengthening diplomatic relations, enhancing trade and investment cooperation, as well as exploring collaborative opportunities within the Framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His Excellency – John Dramani Mahama during his visit, laid a wreath at the Embassy Park in Lusaka in honour of the Southern African nation’s fallen heroes.
Delegates such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Education – Haruna Iddrisu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications – Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations – Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection – Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and many others were equally in Zambia to accompany Prez Mahama during this visit.