Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed on Thursday that African foreign ministers have clamored for Ghana’s traditional fugu garment following overwhelming interest sparked by his appearance at the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking in an interview with GHOne TV on the sidelines of the summit, Ablakwa disclosed that virtually all foreign ministers he interacted with have requested that he make a presentation on fugu at their next meeting. He stated the demand has been so high that he now wishes he had traveled with truckloads of fugu to Ethiopia.
The minister revealed that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) foreign ministers have specifically requested fugu tailored in their respective national colours at their upcoming gathering. He stated that ECOWAS foreign ministers told him that at the next ECOWAS meeting, they want fugu in their national colours, describing this as a special assignment they have given him.
Ablakwa announced plans to produce fugu for all African foreign ministers in their national colours, as well as for their presidents. He stated the international spotlight on fugu and kente will create opportunities for young entrepreneurs, particularly weavers, to expand production and tap into new export markets.
Ghana will participate in a major fugu and kente trade exhibition in Zambia next month, the minister disclosed. He revealed that Zambian authorities have allocated the country’s largest trade exhibition centre for the event, citing strong interest from buyers following continued requests from his Zambian counterpart about where to find the fugu.
The traditional smock, also known as Batakari or Fugu, became a sensation at the 39th African Union Summit after Ablakwa and Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Abass Apaak wore the garment during summit proceedings. The smock, a symbol of Ghanaian cultural heritage, was initially misunderstood by Zambian social media users who described it as a blouse following President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Zambia.
The pushback from Ghanaians who expressed pride in the traditional outfit in defense of their cultural heritage heightened demand for the smock not only in Ghana but across Africa. Ablakwa wore his fugu on the opening day of the summit, while Dr Apaak appeared the next day, Thursday, February 12, 2026, in his yellow and black woven smock and cap, which was visibly admired by summit attendees and diplomats.
In an interview with Daily Graphic, Ablakwa confirmed the strong interest shown by his colleagues in the Ghanaian smock, adding that presentations of the garment were expected to be made to selected ministers and heads of state. He emphasized that the fugu is in such high demand that young entrepreneurs and fugu weavers should take full advantage of the opportunity.
The minister underscored the need for Ghana, especially Ghanaian foreign missions, to take advantage of the present momentum, which he described as very good internationally, to promote Ghana made products. He stated he has instructed all ambassadors and high commissioners that with the coming national day celebrations on March 6, they should all organize a Fugu and Kente Fair to ride on the international momentum positively for economic diplomacy.
Ablakwa urged Ghanaians at home and abroad to continue promoting Made in Ghana goods as well as exposing Ghanaian fabrics and beautiful cultures to other nationals. He stated he received many compliments from many people, adding it is very refreshing to know they even know Ghana has declared a fugu day and are willing to join in celebrating.
Other nationals who spoke to Daily Graphic showered praises on Ghanaians for standing for their heritage and turning the banter into cultural and economic gain. A Malawian journalist stated the friendly banter between Ghana and Zambia during President Mahama’s visit to Zambia was an eye opener, expressing impression with how Ghana made juice from lime by turning the banter into free publicity and booming markets for smock weavers and traders locally and across borders.
Isaac Konga, a Kenyan, indicated that the banter helped him appreciate the history of the smock, especially hearing that Dr Kwame Nkrumah wore it on the day of Ghana’s independence declaration on March 6, 1957. Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ahmed Ibrahim also wore the traditional garment during summit proceedings.
The 39th AU Summit officially opened on Friday, February 14, 2026, bringing together African heads of state and government to deliberate on continental issues including water security, the theme for 2026. President Mahama was elected First Vice Chairperson of the African Union during the session as Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye officially assumed the rotating chairmanship.
The summit also featured discussions on Ghana’s draft United Nations resolution on the transatlantic slave trade, which received endorsement at the ministerial level. The resolution, to be tabled by President Mahama on March 25, seeks global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
Ablakwa described ongoing African Union deliberations as constructive, impactful and substantive during his media engagement. He revealed that Ghana’s mandate as champion on reparations has been extended for a decade, positioning the country to lead advocacy efforts over the next ten years within a Decade of Reparations framework from 2026 to 2035.
The minister also announced that Ghana is set to secure additional visa waiver agreements in coming months as part of efforts to elevate the global standing of the Ghanaian passport. He hinted at major announcements beginning in March and continuing through April and May, describing visa waiver deals as a top priority.
The fugu phenomenon demonstrates how cultural diplomacy can generate economic opportunities while promoting national heritage. Industry observers noted that increased international demand for traditional Ghanaian textiles could significantly boost employment for weavers concentrated in northern Ghana where fugu originates.
Ghana declared National Fugu Day to celebrate the traditional garment and promote its cultural significance. The initiative gained momentum following social media exchanges about the attire during President Mahama’s January 2026 visit to Zambia, transforming what began as a misunderstanding into a showcase for Ghanaian cultural pride and craftsmanship.
