Historian Warns Against Ethnic and Political Rivalries over Fugu Attire
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Historian Kweku Darko Ankrah has cautioned that while Fugu is a symbol of cultural pride, its promotion must be carefully managed to prevent ethnic or political rivalries.
Speaking on Focus on Zed 101.9FM, Ankrah highlighted how perceptions of Fugu vary across communities, with some people questioning who “belongs” to certain groups based on who wears it.
“In certain communities, if you wear Fugu, someone might say, ‘Are you an outsider?’ or question why you always wear it,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of education to ensure that Fugu is understood as an inclusive attire that transcends regional or ethnic boundaries.
The historian warned that without careful messaging, cultural garments like Fugu could be misused to fuel rivalries. “People are very funny. They will even interject political and ethnic notions into which group is doing well and so on,” he said.
He urged policymakers and cultural advocates to address potential tensions early. “We have to nip it in the bud before it becomes a tool for certain people to create political divisions and gain advantages,” Ankrah said.
Mr. Ankrah emphasized that identity markers such as Fugu should serve to unite Ghanaians rather than differentiate them. “Identity markers are not for differentiation; they are to unite us,” he stated.
Historian Kweku Darko Ankrah’s caution comes in the wake of renewed public debate over Fugu following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent appearance in Zambia wearing the traditional attire. During the visit, images of the President dressed in Fugu circulated widely on social media, sparking online commentary and exchanges between some Zambian and Ghanaian users. What began as lighthearted banter quickly evolved into nationalistic trolling, with sections of social media users questioning the origins, ownership, and cultural significance of the garment.
Fugu, a handwoven smock historically associated with northern Ghana has increasingly been embraced as a symbol of national pride in Ghana.
Once seen primarily as northern traditional wear, it is now commonly worn by Government officials, professionals, and cultural ambassadors at both local and international events to project Ghanaian identity.
