GHANAIANS RALLY TO DEFEND TRADITIONAL “FUGU” ATTIRE AFTER ONLINE MOCKERY OF PRESIDENT MAHAMA

GHANAIANS RALLY TO DEFEND TRADITIONAL “FUGU” ATTIRE AFTER ONLINE MOCKERY OF PRESIDENT MAHAMA

Ghanaians have shown strong support for their traditional handwoven “fugu” smocks after President John Mahama faced online criticism for wearing the garment during a recent state visit to Zambia.

The fugu, traditionally produced in northern Ghana on narrow-strip looms, is considered a national attire, worn at cultural festivals, political events, and increasingly in offices and public life. During the visit to Lusaka, Mahama donned a blue-white-grey striped version of the flare-armed tunic while walking the red carpet and inspecting a guard-of-honour parade, drawing mockery from some non-Ghanaians on social media, who questioned its appropriateness for a head of state.

In response, the Ghanaian government declared Wednesdays as “Fugu Day” upon Mahama’s return, resulting in a surge in demand for the centuries-old attire. Traders and weavers across Accra reported increased interest, particularly for styles similar to the one worn by the president.

“People are coming specifically for it now,” said William Nene, a textile trader in central Accra, noting that many customers seek garments that reflect their Ghanaian identity.

The renewed interest has sparked wider conversations about cultural heritage, identity, and support for local artisans. Shadrack Yao Agboli, a fugu weaver affiliated with the National Commission on Culture, explained that each garment can take several days to complete, providing livelihoods for many families. “When leaders wear it, it reminds people this cloth is ours,” he said.

Historian and cultural commentator Yaw Anokye Frimpong described the fugu as “an unofficial national dress” with practical and historical significance. Unlike kente, which is mostly ceremonial, the fugu is everyday wear, historically even worn into battle, symbolizing indigenous technology and self-reliance.

For Frederick Ohene Offei-Addo, head of Asaase Broadcasting Company, wearing locally woven fugu is a matter of both cultural pride and economic strategy. “If we are serious about industrialisation and job creation, we must also be intentional about what we buy and wear. Culture is not just heritage — it’s livelihoods,” he said.

The resurgence of fugu attire aligns with broader government initiatives to promote local industries and reduce dependence on imported textiles, particularly from China. Traders like Nene note the immediate impact of presidential influence on public interest: “When people see it on the president, they want one too. Right now, we can’t weave them fast enough.”