The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, on behalf of the John Mahama-led government, has declared Wednesdays as Fugu (Batakari) Day.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, Ghanaians at home and abroad are encouraged to wear Fugu every Wednesday to celebrate culture, boost local artisans, and grow the creative economy.
In a statement signed by the Minister for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, stated, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ghana, and in furtherance of our collective commitment to preserve, promote, and celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts wishes to inform the general public of Government’s decision to encourage all Ghanaians, as well as friends of Ghana, home and abroad, to dedicate every Wednesday to the wearing of Fugu Batakari), in all its diverse forms, designs, and expressions, complemented by its distinctive and beautiful accessories,
This initiative is intended to deepen national cultural awareness, affirm our identity, and project Ghana’s heritage with pride to the world. Beyond its cultural significance, the initiative is expected to generate far-reaching social and economic benefits, including the empowerment of local weavers, designers, artisans, and traders across the value chain, as well as expanded business. employment, and commercial opportunities nationwide.
The government hopes that this collective embrace of Fugu will strengthen national unity, stimulate the creative economy, and serve as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s cultural confidence and self-expression”.
Some Ghanaians reacting to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts declaration stated, “Big ups to the Ghanaian govt for declaring Fugu as official Wednesday wear. This bold move celebrates our northern heritage & amps up local fashion. Now, let’s revive dying sectors like agriculture, tech, tourism, & creative arts to ignite economic growth for all Ghanaians”.
“So are we happy about this as a country, while there are pressing issues to be looked as a country? Teachers are on strike, and graduates are still in the house waiting for the government to employ them. Hmmmm…”, a netizen added.
A netizen added, “All these aren’t needed..create employment for all and stop politicising employment to..go to companies, employment is even politicised..how will a nation develop if these keep on happening”.
“Great initiative, but the Hustle Market, which has been operating Kente, Adinkra and Fugu for centuries, needs to be managed.
14th/16th Century of weaving Fugu, and no Fashion company has been created out of it”, another X user added.
Meanwhile, Fugu has been trending following Mahama’s visit to Zambia, with some Zambians describing his outfit as a blouse.
President John Dramani Mahama, speaking on Friday, February, suggested that Ghana’s traditional fugu smock could soon gain global popularity.
President Mahama thanked, thanked Zambians for marketing Ghana’s fugu.
Mahama reflected on how social media amplified a moment in which a Zambian described the attire as a “blouse” during his recent visit to Zambia.
He stated, “Smock has become an integral part of our culture. The smock weavers in Ghana will be very happy because, through the power of social media, they have received branding and marketing they could never have imagined”.
“While people were commenting on my arrival, one person from the crowd asked, ‘What blouse is he wearing?’ and it triggered a whole social media firestorm”.
He added, “I thank Zambia for marketing our fugu for us. It might even become an export item in our bilateral trade. We will export some fugu and create a new fashion trend”.
See the post below:
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) February 10, 2026