President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, has humorously stated that his country will be ordering more Ghanaian fugu following days of lively social media conversations sparked by President John Dramani Mahama’s choice of attire during his state visit to Zambia.
President Hichilema made the remark at the Ghana–Zambia Business Forum on Friday, February 6, 2026, as President Mahama continues his three-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
While the visit has featured high-level diplomatic engagements, public attention has largely shifted to President Mahama’s outfit.
During the visit, he was seen wearing a fugu, a traditional Ghanaian smock deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of northern Ghana.
The attire, widely regarded in Ghana as a symbol of identity, pride, and cultural expression, drew mixed reactions on social media. While many praised the president for showcasing Ghanaian culture on an international platform, some social media users in Zambia described the garment as a “blouse,” triggering backlash and spirited exchanges between Ghanaians and Zambians online.
Addressing the matter humorously at the forum, President Hichilema welcomed the cultural moment generated by the outfit.
“I am very happy that the foreign minister is wearing that,” he said, in reference to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. “So I have asked my team to post on various platforms that the president of Zambia will be ordering more of that for himself.”
Responding to the Zambian president’s comments, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa said the conversation around the fugu had sparked a deeper reflection on African identity and culture.
“This is my president’s favourite attire, the fugu,” he said. “We are all excited about the buzz that the president’s deliberate choice of apparel has created. It has triggered a renaissance in what Kwame Nkrumah described as the African personality.”
He added that the discussion went beyond fashion, touching on broader questions of identity and self-worth.
“That will reclaim the African identity, dignity, and culture. So, when we talk about restitution and reparation, it is not just about compensation for the transatlantic slave trade. It is a mental effort to go back to our roots and our identity,” the Foreign Minister said.
The episode has since evolved into a light-hearted cultural exchange between the two countries. Now, the banter has become an opportunity for a deeper appreciation of Africa’s diverse traditions and shared heritage.