The Founder of Alagumgube, Gabriel Agambilla, has urged government to implement measures that safeguard local production of Fugu fabric following heightened global demand triggered by President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia.
Mr Agambilla said the recent surge in patronage represents a significant boost for the local Fugu industry, with producers set to benefit from enhanced visibility and demand. However, he emphasized that government and key stakeholders must ensure local fabric producers retain exclusive rights to produce the prestigious garment.
“Concerted efforts are required to prevent foreigners from exploiting the surge for personal gain,” Mr Agambilla stated, advocating for a robust crackdown on the production and distribution of counterfeit or fake versions of Fugu attire.
He warned that failure to act could compromise the quality of the fabric and deprive local producers of rightful benefits they deserve.
National Fugu Day Declared
The government on February 10, 2026, declared Wednesdays as National Fugu Day through a statement signed by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie. The declaration encourages all Ghanaians and friends of Ghana at home and abroad to wear Fugu, also known as Batakari, in its diverse forms, designs and expressions.
According to the Ministry, the initiative is expected to generate significant social and economic benefits by empowering local weavers, designers, artisans and traders along the value chain, while expanding business opportunities, employment creation and commercial activity nationwide.
The government believes that a collective embrace of Fugu will strengthen national unity, stimulate the creative economy, and serve as a visible symbol of Ghana’s cultural confidence and self expression.
Social Media Phenomenon
Fugu gained international attention when President Mahama wore the traditional attire during his arrival in Zambia in early February 2026, sparking unexpected social media commentary. Some Zambian social media users, unfamiliar with the garment, described it as a blouse, triggering widespread response from Ghanaians who defended the cultural significance of the traditional northern Ghanaian attire.
President Mahama expressed surprise over the attention, noting he had worn the attire several times to international functions, including his recent address at the United Nations General Assembly.
The social media exchange prompted Ghanaians to mount a spirited defence of the President and champion the cultural significance of Fugu. On February 6, 2026, dozens of Members of Parliament arrived in the chamber dressed in vibrant traditional smocks to show solidarity with President Mahama.
Economic Opportunity
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema announced at the Ghana Zambia Business Dialogue that he had directed his team to order more fugu for himself, turning what began as online mockery into a cultural and economic opportunity for Ghanaian artisans.
President Mahama highlighted the unexpected marketing benefit during a media interview in Zambia, stating that by the power of social media, he has given smock weavers branding and marketing they could never have dreamed of.
Fugu is a hand woven fabric made from cotton strips, historically associated with the people of Northern Ghana. Beyond fashion, the garment carries deep political and spiritual significance. Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, wore the fugu when he declared independence on March 6, 1957, cementing its status as a symbol of national identity.
Members of Parliament on Wednesday welcomed the National Fugu Day declaration, describing it as a bold step to preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage. Dr Grace Ayensu Danquah, Member of Parliament for Essikado Ketan, urged government to provide financial support to Fugu weavers and traders to sustain the industry and expand its economic potential.
Mr Agambilla, who founded Alagumgube, a group focused on development initiatives in the Upper East Region, has been instrumental in advocating for regional infrastructure and cultural preservation. The group has undertaken several projects, including facilitating land clearance for the Upper East Airport.
