Traders of Fugu, or smock dresses, in the Western North Region have welcomed the government’s declaration of Wednesdays as National Fugu Day, describing it as a step that will boost sales and promote cultural diversity.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Debeiso in the Bia West District, Adongo, a Fugu trader, said the initiative would stimulate interest in investment within the sector, promote Northern Ghanaian culture, and create job opportunities for the youth.

“This is a good initiative, and I believe that when sustained, it will create more job opportunities for the teeming youth,” he said.

He added that the declaration would help revive interest in traditional attire and encourage young people to consider Fugu weaving and trading as a viable source of livelihood.

At Sefwi-Dwenase, Madam Alice Adoma and Osamam Imoro, both Fugu traders, said they had received increased orders following the President’s directive.

They expressed optimism that the move would yield positive results, similar to the Friday Wear policy introduced under former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

“Since the announcement, we’ve had many customers placing orders, and we are expecting a boost in our sales,” Madam Adoma said.

She proposed the introduction of Fugu wear in schools to nurture interest among children and encourage nationwide adoption.

Madam Adoma also appealed to local producers and weavers to improve the quality of their products to attract international markets and help the country earn foreign exchange.

“If we can produce high-quality Fugu, we can export it to other countries and earn foreign exchange,” she said.

The traders expressed gratitude to the government for recognising the cultural significance of Fugu and elevating it as a national attire.

They called on Ghanaians to patronise the initiative by wearing Fugu on Wednesdays to support the local textile industry.