I’ve been intentional about wearing Ghana – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama says he has deliberately chosen Ghana-made clothing as part of a broader effort to stimulate the local garment industry.

In a television interview on the sidelines of his state visit to Zambia, the President said his personal wardrobe policy is designed to back local designers and project confidence in Ghanaian craftsmanship.

“One of the things I’ve brought into my presidency is to promote the local garment industry,” Mr Mahama said on Friday. “All my clothes are made in Ghana, they are sewed by Ghanaian designers.”

He explained that the decision is not symbolic but a daily practice that aligns leadership with policy direction.

“So all these costumes I wear are sewn by local designers and that is what I wear every day,” the President added.

Mr Mahama has, in previous engagements, encouraged public officials and institutions to prioritise locally produced goods, arguing that consistent patronage is critical to building competitive domestic industries. His administration has linked this approach to job creation and value addition within the creative economy.

The President also shared a lighter diplomatic moment from his engagement with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, using it to highlight the cultural reach of Ghanaian attire.

“When I arrived, President Hichilema and I exchanged gifts. He gave me a Zambian carving. I appreciate it very much. I’m going to put it in my office,” he said.

Mr Mahama said his gift to the Zambian leader was distinctly Ghanaian. “And I gave him a Fugu,” he noted with a laugh. “So what I wore, I gave him one of that.”

According to the President, the gesture sparked immediate interest. “He said he’s going to order some more and distribute it to his Zambian countrymen,” Mr Mahama disclosed, suggesting that Ghanaian traditional wear could find wider appeal across the region.

The President has previously described cultural exchange as a soft-power tool that complements economic diplomacy, particularly within Africa.

During the Zambia visit, discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, regional trade, and shared development priorities.

Mr Mahama said promoting Ghanaian products abroad goes hand in hand with boosting confidence at home.