Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has praised Ghana’s traditional smock, popularly known as fugu, announcing plans to order more of the attire for himself following a viral social media discussion sparked during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent state visit to Zambia.
President Hichilema made the remarks during the Ghana–Zambia Business Dialogue held in Lusaka on February 6, where he expressed admiration for Ghana’s cultural fashion after Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, appeared at the event wearing the traditional garment.
“I’m very happy that a foreign minister, you dressed like that. I asked my team to post on various platforms that were associated with that. The President of Zambia will be ordering more of that stuff for himself,” President Hichilema said, drawing applause from participants at the dialogue.
The comment comes in the wake of a lively online debate that emerged when President Mahama arrived in Zambia wearing a fugu, also known as batakari or smock. The traditional attire, which originates from northern Ghana, became a trending topic on social media after some Zambian users mockingly referred to it as a “blouse,” triggering strong reactions from Ghanaians who defended its cultural and historical importance.
In Ghana, the fugu holds deep symbolic meaning and is widely worn during ceremonial occasions, festivals, and national celebrations. The attire is also closely associated with Ghanaian leadership and national identity, having been worn by Ghana’s founding fathers during significant national moments, including the country’s independence in 1957.
Responding to the growing online conversation, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the renewed attention on the attire as part of a broader cultural revival across the continent.
“This is my President’s favourite attire, the fugu. We are all excited about the buzz that the President’s deliberate choice of apparel has created. It has triggered a renaissance in what Kwame Nkrumah described as the African personality,” Mr Ablakwa said.
He noted that the discussion generated by the viral fashion moment has helped to highlight African heritage and encouraged younger generations to learn more about their cultural identity.
“For the young ones on social media who want to know more about the attire, this is the attire that the founder of Ghana, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, wore when he declared independence on March 6, 1957,” he added.
The social media buzz has since inspired initiatives such as “Fugu Friday,” which encourages Ghanaians and others to proudly wear the traditional smock while promoting awareness of its historical and cultural significance.
What began as a light-hearted social media debate has evolved into a major cultural conversation, drawing international attention to Ghana’s rich heritage while creating potential opportunities for cultural diplomacy and boosting demand for locally produced traditional textiles and garments.
