When photos of the Ghanaian president’s arrival in Zambia surfaced on social media, some Zambians took to the comment section, brazenly displaying ignorance about the fugu outfit.
Ghanaians have taken to social media to counter online mockery from some Zambian users following President John Dramani Mahama’s appearance in traditional Ghanaian attire during his ongoing state visit to Zambia, turning the episode into a broader debate about African identity, cultural literacy.
Ghanaians have taken to social media to counter online mockery from some Zambian users following President John Dramani Mahama’s appearance in traditional Ghanaian attire during his ongoing state visit to Zambia, turning the episode into a broader debate about African identity, cultural literacy and intra-African respect.
Mahama, who is on a three-day state visit to Zambia aimed at deepening bilateral ties and holding high-level diplomatic engagements, was photographed wearing a northern Ghanaian smock, widely known as fugu or batakari, a handwoven garment historically associated with leadership, heritage and national pride. Images circulating online prompted derisive comments from some Zambian social media users, who described the attire as a “blouse.”
The remarks triggered swift responses from prominent Ghanaians, including digital content creator Wode Maya and former Member of Parliament Ras Mubarak, who criticised what they described as cultural ignorance and a lingering colonial mindset among Africans.
In a Facebook post, Wode Maya said the president’s choice of attire was a deliberate effort to promote Ghana’s local garment industry beyond its borders. “The outfit worn by our President is not a blouse. It is a Ghanaian traditional attire known as fugu, also called batakari,” he wrote, adding that Mahama was showcasing African craftsmanship in contrast to Western-style suits commonly worn by African leaders. He described the ridicule as a symptom of “mental slavery” and a failure to use readily available access to information to understand African cultures.
Ras Mubarak framed the episode as a deeper continental issue, linking the reactions to what he called Africa’s unresolved “colonial hangover.” In a post referencing Ghana’s independence history, he noted that the fugu was famously worn by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, symbolising sovereignty and African pride.
Mocking such attire, he argued, undermines efforts to promote unity and mutual respect across the continent.
“When we don’t even recognize our own brother’s traditional identity, how are we supposed to build the unity we keep preaching about?” Mubarak wrote, calling for greater cultural exchange and education among Africans. He urged Africans to move from mockery to curiosity and from ignorance to knowledge, describing cultural understanding as essential to deeper continental integration.
A Zambian, Muma Chisanga, also wrote: “I spent my time studying in Ghana as a Zambian, and I loved the culture and how Ghanian embrace it. Same applies in Zambia we have a rich culture. The commentary about the President outfit is just because of how people don’t know so much about different culture of different countries. The encouragement is to travel around Africa and get exposure and appreciate culture. Medaase 
Nyame Nhiyra wo”.
As Mahama continues his engagements in Lusaka, the online debate has evolved into a wider conversation on Pan-Africanism, with many users across the continent sharing images and explanations of their own traditional garments.
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