Ghanaian traditional attire, the smock—locally called fugu or batakari—is capturing global attention following President H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s recent diplomatic visit to Zambia. In his end-of-visit interview, President Mahama highlighted the cultural and economic significance of the garment.

Speaking about the smock’s history, President Mahama said, “This is a traditional dress made by a local industry as part of our culture. In the past, it was worn by kings, royalty, and warriors. Our warriors believed that smocks soaked in herbs and blessed spiritually could protect them even in battle. The smock represents strength, identity, and heritage.”

Reflecting on its place in Ghanaian history, he added, “On the day our independence was declared, President Kwame Nkrumah and all the freedom fighters were wearing smocks. Since then, it has become an integral part of our cultural identity, and I want it recognized on the highest platforms in the world.”

President Mahama noted that his choice to wear the smock during official functions and on the global stage has generated widespread interest. “When I wore a smock at the United Nations, people started asking about it. Social media discussions exploded. The smock weavers in Ghana will be very happy because this has given them marketing and branding they could never have dreamed of,” he said.

During the visit to Zambia, President Mahama exchanged gifts with President Hakainde Hichilema. “He gave me a beautiful Zambian carving, which I will display in my office,” Mahama said. “I gifted him a smock, and he said he will order more to share with his citizens. This could open doors for cultural exchange and trade between our countries.”

President Mahama emphasized the importance of promoting local fashion as part of his presidency. “All my clothes are made by Ghanaian designers, and I wear them daily for work and official functions. Ghana’s warm climate makes traditional attire like the smock more comfortable than a suit and tie. It is practical, but also a way to show pride in our heritage,” he said.

He concluded with a vision for Ghana’s textile industry: “Through these efforts, I hope the smock becomes an export item, inspires fashion trends abroad, and showcases Ghanaian craftsmanship and culture to the world.”

The visit and the attention on the smock are expected to boost the profile of Ghanaian designers, while also opening new opportunities for trade and cultural collaboration with Zambia.

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described the traditional northern Ghanaian attire, Fugu, as a powerful symbol of African identity and cultural renaissance, urging African countries to embrace indigenous heritage as part of continental development.

Speaking at the Ghana–Zambia Business Dialogue, Hon. Ablakwa said the growing prominence of the Fugu reflects a renewed commitment by African leaders to promote cultural pride and self-definition.

According to Hon. Ablakwa, Africa’s development conversation must go beyond economic growth to include cultural revival and restoration of the continent’s historical identity. He noted that indigenous attire such as the Fugu represents resilience and continuity of African traditions.

The Foreign Affairs Minister further stressed that promoting African cultural symbols can help strengthen unity across the continent while also creating economic opportunities in local fashion and textile industries.

Hon. Ablakwa also paid tribute to historic African leaders who championed cultural pride and Pan-African unity, noting that their vision continues to guide contemporary leadership across the continent.

VIDEO: ABLAKWA _ FUGU

The Minister underscored the historic relevance of the attire, noting that Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, wore Fugu during the country’s historic independence declaration on March 6, 1957.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also urged African business communities and FinTech companies to support the continent’s economic renaissance by investing in logistics and digital trade systems that promote the movement of indigenous African products.

VIDEO : ABLAKW _ HISTORY

U.S. Virgin Islands – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ghana Tourism Authority to establish a structured partnership aimed at strengthening tourism development, cultural exchange, trade facilitation, and investment promotion between Ghana and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The agreement was signed at the USVI-Africa Mini Summit held at The Westin Beach Resort and Spa at Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas, marking a significant step in deepening people-to-people ties and expanding economic cooperation between the African continent and the Virgin Islands.

Governor Bryan described the agreement as a move that goes beyond tourism to embrace shared heritage and economic opportunity.

“This memorandum is about more than travel. It is about connection,” he said, noting that the partnership aligns tourism with trade and investment priorities while creating opportunities for cultural, youth, and private-sector collaboration.

The MoU sets out key objectives including the promotion of two-way travel, joint destination marketing, integration of tourism with trade and investment strategies, and stronger engagement between communities and businesses in both jurisdictions.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to long-term cooperation rooted in cultural ties and economic growth. She noted that the partnership positions both destinations to expand visitor arrivals, broaden market access, and develop joint tourism and heritage initiatives.

Under the agreement, cooperation will be driven through five key pillars. These include destination-to-destination tourism collaboration through joint marketing efforts and participation in international tourism exhibitions, as well as cultural and heritage exchange programmes that promote shared African-Caribbean history, creative industry partnerships, and youth and educational exchanges.

The MoU also covers airlift, cruise, and maritime tourism, with plans to engage airlines and cruise operators to improve connectivity, enhance port experiences, and share best practices in maritime tourism development.

In addition, the agreement promotes investment and private-sector engagement by highlighting tourism and hospitality investment opportunities, encouraging business partnerships, and supporting joint ventures in hotels, resorts, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism projects.

Capacity building and institutional cooperation form another pillar of the partnership, including professional exchange programmes, joint training in marketing, sustainability, digital transformation, and service delivery, as well as technical collaboration among relevant agencies.

The MoU allows for the appointment of focal persons and the creation of a Joint Working Committee to oversee implementation, timelines, and monitoring. It also specifies that the agreement does not impose financial obligations on either party, with any future commitments to be agreed upon separately.

The agreement takes effect immediately upon signing and will remain valid for five years, with the option of renewal by mutual consent.

Governor Bryan said the partnership represents a new chapter in relations between the two destinations, focused on choice, collaboration, and shared prosperity.