Ghana has officially declared Wednesdays as “Fugu Day,” encouraging citizens to wear the country’s traditional northern smock to work and public events.
The decision follows a recent state visit to Zambia by President John Dramani Mahama, where he wore the garment. Some critics mocked the outfit online and referred to it as a “blouse,” a comment that triggered widespread reactions from Ghanaians on social media. Many defended the attire as an important symbol of identity and history.
Within days, what began as online banter evolved into a cultural campaign.
Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, announced that dedicating one day a week to the outfit would help project Ghana’s identity “with pride on the global stage”. She encouraged citizens to wear it “in all its diverse forms, designs, and expressions, complemented by its distinctive and beautiful accessories”.
By Wednesday, the impact was visible. Civil servants, students, professionals and traders across the country appeared in brightly colored and striped smocks, known locally as fugu or batakari.
The garment originates from northern Ghana. It is made from thick cotton fabric woven into narrow strips and sewn together into a loose, flowing top. Traditionally, it has been worn by chiefs and community leaders and is widely associated with dignity and authority.
Its political symbolism dates back to 1957, when Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. At the independence ceremony, Kwame Nkrumah and five others wore fugus a visual statement that connected political freedom with African identity.
Today, supporters say the weekly observance is about more than clothing.
“Fugu is an easy wear. You pick it and off you go. You don’t have to iron it,” said Raymond Avenor, a civil servant in the capital, Accra.
He added: “Significantly it’s the northern people of Ghana that use this and it depicts, according to my understanding, royalty. I feel good when I wear it.”
Beyond symbolism, officials argue the initiative could boost Ghana’s creative economy. The tourism minister said the weekly display would “generate far-reaching social and economic benefits” for weavers, designers, artisans and traders.
Local manufacturers say demand is already rising.
Elijah Sulemana Musah, who owns a fugu factory, reports increased orders from both local customers and international buyers. He said interest has even come from Zambia, following the online exchange between citizens of both countries.
The debate has also sparked wider African engagement. Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed interest in ordering fugus, while President Mahama has suggested exporting the garment in bulk.