The outfit worn by President John Dramani Mahama (L) has been criticised
Ghanaians and Zambians have clashed on social media following comments about an outfit worn by President John Dramani Mahama during an official state visit to Zambia on February 5, 2026.
President Mahama, who is on an official visit to the southern African country, was photographed wearing a traditional African smock, commonly associated with northern Ghana, paired with blue/black jeans and black shoes as he was received by Zambian officials.
After images of the President’s official welcome circulated online, some Zambian social media users, unfamiliar with the attire, took to various platforms to mock the outfit.
However, many Ghanaians reacted to the comments, defending the President and the cultural significance of the attire, leading to heated exchanges between users from both countries.
LIVESTREAMED: President Mahama’s arrival in Zambia
Popular Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya weighed in on the debate, offering clarification in a social media post.
He wrote: “Dear Zambians, the outfit worn by our President is not a blouse. It is a Ghanaian traditional attire known as Fugu, also called Batakari. Our President is intentionally promoting the local garment industry both within and beyond our borders, unlike your President, whose suit is not African.
“It is unfortunate that many of you, despite having access to smartphones and the internet, still choose to remain ignorant.”
Read some of the comments below:
His Excellency President @JDMahama accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama has arrived in Zambia for a three-day state visit. He was received at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema and the First Lady of… pic.twitter.com/cPeNneERz9
— Ghana Presidency (@GhanaPresidency) February 4, 2026
Dear Zambians,
The outfit worn by our President is not a BLOUSE. It is a Ghanaian traditional attire known as FUGU, also called Batakari. Our President is intentionally promoting the local garment industry both within and beyond our borders, unlike your President, whose suit is… pic.twitter.com/ifhkUVv9sK— Wode Maya ® (@wode_maya) February 5, 2026
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