Ghanaians across the country have turned out en masse to wear the country's colourful traditional outfit, the fugu, after the government designated Wednesdays "Fugu Day".
The move comes after President John Dramani Mahama' ... read full comment
Ghanaians across the country have turned out en masse to wear the country's colourful traditional outfit, the fugu, after the government designated Wednesdays "Fugu Day".
The move comes after President John Dramani Mahama's state visit to Zambia last week when he wore the garment. Some mockingly called it a "blouse", prompting a fierce response from Ghanaians online.
Ghana's Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie said on Tuesday that wearing the outfit 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".
The fugu, also known as batakari, is a traditional northern Ghanaian top made from hand‑woven, narrow strips of thick cotton fabric stitched together to form a structured, poncho‑style garment.
It is worn by traditional leaders in northern Ghana, as well as ordinary citizens, and is a symbol of royalty and authority.
Raymond AvenorBBC
Fugu is an easy wear. You pick it and off you go. You don't have to iron it"
Raymond Avenor
A civil servant in Accra
The traditional fugu top is more often associated with men, who sometimes wear trousers and a hat in matching material, but women also wear a version of it, which can be styled longer or as a dress.
Ghanaians across the country have turned out en masse to wear the country's colourful traditional outfit, the fugu, after the government designated Wednesdays "Fugu Day".
The move comes after President John Dramani Mahama' ...
read full comment