Smock weavers in Ghana are biggest winners of fugu-gate – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana’s traditional smock has gained unprecedented global attention, turning recent online criticism in Zambia into unexpected marketing for local weavers.

Speaking during a television interview on Friday on the sidelines of his state visit to Zambia, President Mahama reflected on the controversy that erupted after Zambian social media users commented on his outfit upon arrival in the country.

“I’ve worn the smock to the United Nations, the highest platform in this world,” the President said. “When I gave the speech everybody is talking about, I was in a smock. I’m surprised they didn’t notice it until I visited Zambia.”

The President’s attire, a fugu, also known as batakari or smock, became the subject of online debate after some Zambian netizens described the garment dismissively, with one user referring to it as a blouse.

The comments triggered a strong backlash from Ghanaians on social media, many of whom defended the cultural and historical significance of the outfit and criticised what they saw as ignorance of West African heritage.

President Mahama said the episode, has ultimately benefited Ghanaian artisans. “The smock weavers in Ghana will be very happy because by the power of social media, we have given them branding and marketing that they couldn’t ever have dreamed of getting,” he noted.

He added that the surge in online conversations has translated into heightened global curiosity about the garment.

“I’m sure that by the time I leave here, the number of searches for fugu, batakari and smock will be quite high,” President Mahama said.

Fugu is a traditional northern Ghanaian outfit made from hand-woven, narrow strips of thick cotton fabric stitched together to form a structured, poncho-style garment.

It is widely worn across Ghana and parts of West Africa during ceremonial occasions and has increasingly found its way into international diplomatic and cultural spaces.

The President’s long-standing preference for the smock has made it a signature element of his public image, both locally and abroad.

Supporters argue that his consistent use of the attire at high-profile events has helped project Ghanaian culture onto the global stage.

In a development seen as a diplomatic and cultural win for Ghana, the Zambian Revenue Authority has announced a waiver of all taxes and duties on the importation of smocks into the country.

The move is expected to make Ghanaian-made smocks more accessible in Zambia and further boost demand for the handcrafted garments.