The President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema has joined the viral conversation surrounding Ghana’s traditional smock, popularly known as Fugu or Batakari, saying he plans to order more of the attire for himself, following the social media attention it generated during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to Zambia.
The comment comes amid what has been dubbed a social media “Fugu war,” which erupted during President Mahama’s three-day official visit to Zambia.
While many praised Mahama for showcasing African heritage by wearing the attire, some Zambian social media users, unfamiliar with the smock, jokingly referred to it as a “blouse.”
Speaking at the Ghana–Zambia Business Forum on February 6, President Hichilema praised Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who was wearing the Fugu during the forum.
“I asked my team to post on the various platforms that we are associated with that, the President of Zambia will be ordering more of that stuff for himself,” President Hichilema said humorously, drawing laughter from the audience.
He went on to stress the importance of culture and tradition in national identity, citing global examples.
“Look at the successful countries around the world. What do you see with the Japanese? What they do is embedded in their culture. What do you see in the Germans? Embedded in their culture. What do you see in the Chinese?” he questioned.
President Mahama also weighed in on the social media buzz, and thanked the Zambians for the attention, describing it as an unexpected but valuable exposure for Ghana.
President Mahama arrived in Zambia on February 4, 2026, wearing the Fugu, after which the “blouse” comments began circulating on Zambian social media platforms.
The reactions ranged from playful banter and cultural curiosity to mild culture shock, quickly gaining viral traction online.
In response, many Ghanaians defended the attire, with some proudly sharing photos of themselves in Fugu on social media, effectively turning ridicule into a moment of cultural confidence and pride.
The Fugu, also known as the Batakari, is a hand-loomed smock originating from Northern Ghana. It is a strong symbol of African identity and independence and was famously worn by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during Ghana’s independence declaration in 1957.
