Zambia's Leader Defends Ghanaian Culture Amid Online Mockery

Sun Feb 08 2026 00:54:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a show of solidarity for traditional attire, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema embraces Ghana's cultural heritage after social media trolls target a Ghanaian outfit worn by visiting Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly endorsed the Ghanaian traditional outfit known as fugu, after online criticism ensued when Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama wore it during his state visit. Hichilema stated he would be ordering more fugu for himself, reflecting a positive cultural exchange. Ghana's Foreign Minister noted the social media discourse as an indication of youth being eager to reclaim their cultural identity.

Zambia's president has weighed into a cultural debate that has erupted online after the president of Ghana arrived in Zambia wearing a traditional outfit called a fugu. Some Zambians mockingly called it a blouse.

But Zambia's leader hit back by sharing his love for the design, saying he would be ordering more of that stuff for himself, in a video posted on X from the Ghana–Zambia Business Forum held in Lusaka this week.

Ghana's foreign minister said the social media buzz was a sign that young people were keen to reclaim their cultural roots.

In Ghana itself, a move to encourage traditional outfits has led to Fugu Friday, which sees people wear African clothing.

Following days of online back and forth between netizens of the two countries, President Hakainde Hichilema expressed his admiration for the Ghanaian outfit. We'll be ordering more fugu from Ghana following the social media conversations, Hichilema said on Friday in Zambia's capital, Lusaka.

When Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama arrived for a three-day State Visit on Wednesday, he was proudly sporting a fugu - a traditional northern Ghanaian outfit made from hand‑woven, narrow strips of thick cotton fabric stitched together to form a structured, poncho‑style garment.

In contrast, his Zambian counterpart was wearing a suit and tie to welcome him at the airport, eliciting a strong reaction from some Zambians online. There were dozens of mocking comments on the Zambian Scorpion Facebook group, with some calling the fugu a maternity blouse.

Ghanaian officials attending the forum responded by highlighting the deep cultural significance of the fugu. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described it as not just an item of clothing but a symbol of African identity, dignity, and heritage.

In a video posted on Facebook, he emphasized the viral buzz had sparked renewed interest among the youth, igniting what he termed a renaissance of the African personality. He encouraged Africans to reclaim and celebrate their cultural roots.

Wode Maya, a popular Ghanaian YouTuber, entered the fray, stating it was not a ''blouse'' and arguing that the president was promoting the local garment industry. He criticized those who mocked the fugu, highlighting the cultural importance of traditional attire.