The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged Ghanaians to embrace fugu and kente as unifying national symbols, rather than viewing them through a tribal lens.
Her call comes as the government steps up efforts to promote wearing fugu on Wednesdays — an initiative aimed at boosting patronage and strengthening the local textile value chain. The campaign follows renewed public interest in the traditional attire after President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to Zambia.
Speaking during a media engagement after a visit by the Smock Weavers’ Association to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Minister explained that the “Fugu Wednesday” campaign is intended to sustain growing enthusiasm for the fabric, which has garnered strong support from parliamentarians and other prominent figures.
Ms. Gomashie emphasised that both fugu and kente, recognised by UNESCO as heritage products, reflect Ghana’s collective identity.
“It is not about tribe. It is not about a language. It is about Ghana. For this fugu and kente that has been listed on UNESCO sites as a heritage product that we are offering the world, it should be a rallying round of the red, gold, green, and the black star.
“It is not about any particular tribe. It is about what identifies us as Ghanaians. I am using your platform to thank all the people who bought into the idea and wore fugu on Wednesday. Come Wednesday, let’s be even bigger,” she said.
