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 announced on Tuesday that wearing the fugu 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.'
Beyond its cultural importance, Gomashie stated that the weekly display would 'generate far-reaching social and economic benefits' 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 iconic outfit has been trending on social media for days following the banter between Ghanaians and Zambians, causing Ghanaians, including MPs, to proudly showcase their fugus while Zambians featured their traditional outfits known as siziba.
This exchange attracted the attention of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who expressed interest in ordering fugus from Ghana, furthering the dialogue surrounding the apparel. President Mahama also suggested exporting the smock in bulk to Zambia, highlighting its cultural and political significance while recalling its history of being worn by Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah on Independence Day in 1957, and his own recent appearance at the UN in the traditional garment.
Ghana's Minister for Tourism Abla Dzifa Gomashie announced on Tuesday that wearing the fugu 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.'
Beyond its cultural importance, Gomashie stated that the weekly display would 'generate far-reaching social and economic benefits' 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 iconic outfit has been trending on social media for days following the banter between Ghanaians and Zambians, causing Ghanaians, including MPs, to proudly showcase their fugus while Zambians featured their traditional outfits known as siziba.
This exchange attracted the attention of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who expressed interest in ordering fugus from Ghana, furthering the dialogue surrounding the apparel. President Mahama also suggested exporting the smock in bulk to Zambia, highlighting its cultural and political significance while recalling its history of being worn by Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah on Independence Day in 1957, and his own recent appearance at the UN in the traditional garment.
