Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama sparked a cultural debate on social media during his recent state visit to Zambia. He wore a traditional Ghanaian smock, known as “fugu” or “batakari,” which some Zambian social media users jokingly referred to as a “blouse”

The backlash was swift, with Ghanaians defending their president’s choice of attire and highlighting the cultural significance of the fugu. Popular Ghanaian content creator Wode Maya took to social media, saying, “The outfit worn by our President is not a blouse. It’s a Ghanaian traditional attire known as fugu, also called batakari”

The debate has sparked conversations about African identity, cultural literacy, and intra-African respect. Many are calling for greater cultural exchange and education to promote understanding and appreciation of traditional attire across the continent

In another twist, Ghana and Zambia have signed a visa waiver agreement, allowing citiz
ens of both countries to travel freely without visas. This historic deal was announced during President John Dramani Mahama’s three-day official visit to Zambia, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and boosting economic cooperation

The agreement is expected to ease travel restrictions, promote trade, tourism, and investment, and enhance people-to-people connections between the two nations. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the visa-free arrangement was a direct result of President Mahama’s instructions, highlighting the president’s commitment to advancing African integration.

This agreement marks Ghana’s 15th bilateral visa-free deal since President Mahama returned to office in January 2025, and it’s the first such agreement between a West African and a Southern African nation.

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GhanaNews

Writer
Selma Phidelia Korley