Entertainment
[EDITORIAL] Why Ghana Should Dedicate a Special Day as World Fugu Day: Projecting Culture and Inspiring the Diaspora
In an era where culture has become a powerful tool for diplomacy, identity, and economic growth, nations that consciously preserve and project their heritage stand taller on the global stage. Ghana, a country celebrated for its rich traditions and creative ingenuity, has a unique opportunity to further solidify its cultural footprint by dedicating a special day as Ghana’s World Fugu Day, a day to honour, celebrate, and globalise one of its most iconic traditional attires: Fugu, also known as Batakari.

Fugu is not merely a piece of clothing. It is a living symbol of history, craftsmanship, and identity, deeply rooted in the northern regions of Ghana and widely embraced across the country. Over generations, it has evolved from a ceremonial and everyday garment into a powerful emblem of unity, dignity, and cultural pride. From traditional rulers and farmers to presidents, creatives, and the Ghanaian diaspora, Fugu has transcended class, geography, and time.
Fugu as Cultural Identity and Heritage
The weaving of Fugu represents indigenous knowledge systems passed down through generations. Each strip of handwoven fabric reflects patience, skill, and community labour. In a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion and mass production, Fugu stands as a reminder of sustainability, authenticity, and African excellence.

Dedicating a World Fugu Day would formally recognise this heritage and protect it from cultural erosion. It would encourage documentation, education, and intergenerational transmission of weaving techniques, motifs, and meanings, ensuring that younger generations understand not only how Fugu is worn but what it represents.
A Tool for Diaspora Engagement and Cultural Reconnection
For millions of Ghanaians and people of African descent living abroad, culture remains a vital link to home. Clothing, in particular, has become a powerful expression of identity among the diaspora. A World Fugu Day would offer a unifying global moment for Ghanaians and African-descended communities to reconnect with their roots through fashion, storytelling, exhibitions, and cultural exchange.
Such a day could be celebrated simultaneously in Ghana and in major cities across the world, London, New York, Toronto, Berlin, Johannesburg,g transforming Fugu into a global cultural symbol while reinforcing Ghana’s leadership in Pan-African cultural advocacy.

Economic and Creative Industry Opportunities
Beyond symbolism, a World Fugu Day holds significant economic potential. The creative economy thrives when culture is intentionally promoted. Local weavers, textile producers, designers, models, photographers, stylists, and fashion entrepreneurs would benefit from increased demand and visibility.
With the right policy support, Ghana’s World Fugu Day could stimulate:
- Job creation along the textile and fashion value chain
- Export opportunities for Ghana-made fabrics and designs
- Fashion tourism, exhibitions, and trade fairs
- Collaborations between traditional artisans and contemporary designers
This initiative aligns directly with Ghana’s broader creative-arts and cultural-tourism agenda, positioning heritage as a driver of sustainable development rather than a relic of the past.
Cultural Diplomacy and Nation Branding

Globally, countries such as India, Japan, and Scotland have successfully elevated traditional attire into national symbols that attract admiration and economic value. Ghana can do the same with Fugu. A World Fugu Day would serve as a soft-power tool, projecting Ghana as a nation confident in its identity and proud of its cultural diversity.
Through embassies, cultural centres, and international partnerships, Ghana could use World Fugu Day to host fashion showcases, panel discussions, and cultural festivals, strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing the country’s global brand.

A Call to Leadership and Vision
Dedicating a special day as Ghana’s World Fugu Day is not just a cultural gesture; it is a statement of vision. It affirms that Ghana values its heritage, its people, and its creative future. It signals to the world and to the diaspora that Ghana is intentional about culture as a pillar of national development.
Mr. President, by championing this initiative, Ghana would take another bold step in leading Africa’s cultural renaissance. Fugu is more than cloth. It is history, identity, and possibility woven together. A World Fugu Day would allow Ghana to tell its story proudly, globally, and on its own terms.
Entertainment
Ghana’s Tourism Sector Soars as International Visits Hit Nearly 1.8 Million in 2025
Ghana’s tourism industry kept growing in 2025, with more international visitors and local travel, according to the latest Tourism Report from the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The report shows that the industry is recovering well and moving toward steady long-term growth.
The report said Ghana received 1,306,962 international visitors in 2025, a 1.4 per cent increase from the 1,288,804 visitors recorded in 2024. Although the growth was small, it shows that Ghana remains a popular place for business, cultural, heritage, and leisure tourism.
Business travel was the main reason people visited Ghana, making up 31 per cent of all international arrivals. Visits to family and friends came next at 23 percent, showing Ghana’s strong ties with its diaspora and its growing popularity in West Africa. On average, international visitors stayed for 13 nights, and more than 60 per cent had visited before, showing that many travellers enjoy returning to the country.
The United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom remained Ghana’s top source countries for visitors. Nigeria recorded the biggest growth among them, with visitor numbers rising by 22 per cent in 2025. Arrivals from the United States increased by 13 per cent, while those from the United Kingdom grew by 7 percent.
Even though more people visited Ghana, tourist spending went down. Average spending per visitor dropped from US$3,742.98 in 2024 to US$3,319.90 in 2025. Because of this, international tourism earnings fell from US$4.82 billion to about US$4.34 billion. The report said there is a need for plans that attract visitors who spend more and for more high-end tourism experiences.
Local tourism remained an important part of the sector’s growth. Visits to 55 tourist attractions across the country reached 1,793,797 in 2025, a 7 per cent increase from the previous year. Ghanaians made up 84 per cent of all visits, showing the growing importance of local travel in supporting the tourism industry.
Among the country’s top attractions, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was again the most visited site, with 302,523 visitors during the year. Kakum National Park came next with 203,222 visits, while Bunso Arboretum received 149,319 visitors. Other popular places included Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace Museum, Accra Zoo, Elmina Castle, and Kumasi Zoo.
The report also showed growth in Ghana’s tourism business sector. The number of licensed tourism businesses increased from 6,702 in 2024 to 7,109 in 2025. This growth included hotels and other accommodation facilities, restaurants and food businesses, entertainment centres, and travel-related companies.
Speaking about the sector’s performance, GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto said the results show Ghana’s lasting appeal and the growing strength of local tourism. She said the Authority is now focusing on attracting visitors who spend more, creating tourism opportunities in all regions, and making sure tourism growth benefits local communities.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, also praised the sector’s progress. She said it shows Ghana’s commitment to sustainable tourism, protecting culture, and encouraging innovation. She repeated the government’s goal of making Ghana the “Centre of the World” through investments in eco-tourism, community tourism, cultural heritage protection, and creative tourism experiences.
Entertainment
Ligal Baby Wins Big at Atinka Kids Dance Season 4 Grand Finale
The atmosphere at the Gamashie Hall (Bukom Boxing Arena) in Accra came alive as young dance sensation Ligal Baby of The Rock School, Darkuman, emerged the winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4.
The exciting competition, organised by Atinka TV, started with 30 gifted young dancers from different parts of the country. After weeks of intense performances, evictions, and thrilling moments, the contest was narrowed down to 10 finalists competing for the prestigious crown.
Contestants faced three challenging rounds during the grand finale: Hip Hop, Sponsor’s Identity, where dancers creatively promoted selected sponsors through performance, and an energetic Freestyle round that tested creativity, stagecraft, and originality.
At the end of the second round, Fantastic Two, Afya Pretty, Achiamaa, Ella Baby, and Maggie Vibes exited the competition, leaving Ligal Baby, Abi The Rock Star, Professional Dance Family, Irene Arthur, and KezeeB1 to battle for the top spot.

With confidence, creativity, and electrifying stage presence, Ligal Baby delivered an unforgettable performance that earned the admiration of judges and the audience, ultimately securing the championship title.
For the emerging winner, Ligal Baby received GH¢20,000, products from sponsors, and a one-year professional training opportunity with CRDS Kids under the celebrated Ghanaian dancer Champion Rolly.
Irene Arthur of St. Charles School, Dansoman, secured second place and received GH¢10,000, sponsor products, and a three-month training opportunity with CRDS Kids. Abi, the Rock Star of Perpetual Help School, Alhaji, finished third and walked away with GH¢5,000, sponsor products, and a three-month training opportunity with CRDS Kids.

Professional Dance Family from JABS School, Nungua, placed fourth, while KezeeB1 of Ofosu Aimoako Memorial School, Tabora No. 6, finished fifth. Both contestants also received cash prizes and products from sponsors.
The event attracted a large crowd made up of parents, teachers, dance enthusiasts, and entertainment lovers who cheered passionately throughout the performances.

Atinka Kids Dance continues to establish itself as one of Ghana’s leading platforms for discovering, nurturing, and promoting young dance talents while contributing immensely to the growth of the country’s creative arts industry

Entertainment
The Energy Man Londona Nie Set for Comeback After Successful Recovery Journey
Popular Ghanaian media personality Nana Yaw Kumi Jnr, affectionately known in the entertainment space as Londona Nie, is reportedly making a strong recovery after surviving an accident that occurred some months ago on the Kwabenya stretch shortly after work.
The incident, which came as a shock to many fans and industry players, saw the energetic radio presenter rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for immediate medical treatment. Sources close to the presenter revealed that medical professionals acted swiftly to stabilise his condition upon arrival.
Following news of the accident, social media was flooded with prayers, encouraging messages, and support from listeners, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers who expressed concern over his health and recovery.
Thankfully, fresh updates indicate that the celebrated on-air personality is recovering steadily and regaining his strength day by day. Insiders close to the presenter have disclosed that his health condition has improved significantly, with expectations high for his return to the airwaves in the near future.
Londona Nie, who hosts the drive-time and entertainment show on Top 103.1 FM, is widely admired for his energetic style of presentation, humour, and ability to connect with his audience. His absence has undoubtedly left a void among his loyal listeners who continue to anticipate his comeback.
As recovery continues, many supporters remain optimistic and grateful for the progress made so far.
Without a doubt, “The Energy Man” will soon return to the microphone stronger, healthier, and more energised than ever.
-
Business2 weeks ago24-Hour Economy Authority Secures Over $8 Billion in Investment Agreements in 90 Days
-
Culture2 weeks agoVice President Launches Revised National Cultural Policy to Drive Heritage Preservation and Creative Economy Growth
-
Sports2 weeks agoGovernment reveals 76.4 Million Ghana cedis to back Black Stars World Cup campaign
-
General News2 weeks agoMahama Calls for Stronger Ghana-EU Trade and Investment Partnership to Drive Economic Growth
-
Sports2 weeks agoBreaking: Aduana FC comfirms the departure of Head Coach Cioba Aristica
-
General News19 hours agoPURC Announces New Utility Tariffs as Electricity and Water Prices Rise from July 1
-
General News2 weeks agoTwo Citizens Petition Mahama Over Alleged Misogynistic Remarks by Ashanti Regional Minister
-
Sports2 weeks agoBreaking: Coach Christopher Ennin set to part ways with FC Samartex
