Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has taken a firm stance in a cultural debate that erupted online following the arrival of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama in a traditional outfit known as a fugu. The unique garment, which some Zambians mockingly referred to as a 'blouse,' became the center of a heated online discussion.
President Hichilema, in response to the trolling, shared his admiration for the fugu outfit and remarked in a video shared on social media that he would be 'ordering more of that stuff' for himself. This statement was made during the Ghana–Zambia Business Forum in Lusaka.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister echoed the sentiments in response to the online chatter, emphasizing that young people in Ghana were eager to reconnect with their cultural heritage. In Ghana, initiatives such as 'Fugu Friday' promote the wearing of African attire, reflecting a broader national movement towards embracing traditional clothing.
Following several days of mixed reactions online, Hichilema made it clear that he appreciated the fugu’s design, intending to incorporate the traditional garment into his own wardrobe. His endorsement comes after Mahama's original visit, during which he donned a fugu — a hand-woven garment that is a staple in northern Ghanaian culture.
The mocking comments from Zambians varied from derogatory fun to highlighting a cultural stereotype, with individuals invoking phrases like 'maternity blouse'. However, Ghanaian officials defended the fugu's importance, framing it as a representation of African identity, dignity, and cultural heritage.
As the conversation continues, Ghanaian media has shifted to highlight the significance of the attire, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reminding younger generations that this garment was worn by Ghana's founder, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, when independence was declared in 1957.
This open dialogue illustrates not just a reaction to online trolling but a resurgence of interest in cultural identity and pride across both nations.
