Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says President John Mahama’s choice to wear the traditional fugu during his visit to Zambia is sparking a renaissance of what Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, called the “African Personality.”
Speaking at the Ghana-Zambia Business Dialogue in Lusaka, Okudzeto highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the attire.
“We are all excited about the buzz that the President’s deliberate choice of apparel has created. It has triggered a renaissance in what Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah described as the African personality that we should reclaim—the African identity, the African dignity and the African culture,” he said.
He explained that the fugu is tied to Ghana’s independence and the Pan-African vision.
“For the young ones on social media who want to know more about the fugu, this is the attire the founder of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah wore when he declared independence on the 6th of March, 1957 in Ghana. He made a profound statement that the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked with the total liberation of the African continent.”
Okudzeto also linked the cultural symbolism to economic opportunities, urging FinTech companies to support trade in traditional fabrics.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for action-oriented partnerships between Ghana and Zambia.
“Our two presidents…are not interested in the talk, in the ceremonies. They want results…real impact which will be measured by industrialization, real impact which will be measured by job creation, real impact which will be measured by the prosperity of our people.”
Okudzeto thanked President Hichilema for the hospitality extended to the Ghanaian delegation and reaffirmed the commitment to stronger Ghana-Zambia ties.
