By Daniel Agbesi Latsu, GNA
Kadjebi (O/R), Feb 11, GNA – Staff of public institutions in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region on Wednesday adorned themselves in Fugu, to mark the newly instituted National Fugu Day.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to some public offices in the district revealed heads of departments and staff dressed in the traditional smock as a show of support for the initiative, aimed at promoting made-in-Ghana products and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
At the Kadjebi District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Seth Seyram Deh, the District Director of Education, together with other officers, reported to work in neatly woven Fugu of varying designs and colours.
Similarly, at the Kadjebi District Assembly, Mr Innocent Komla Gavua, the District Coordinating Director (DCD), and other staff members proudly displayed their smocks, drawing admiration from clients and visitors.
In an interview with the GNA, Mr Gavua described the declaration of the day as a laudable initiative that would help promote Ghana’s national identity.
“This is a good idea to promote our national identity by encouraging the wearing of made-in-Ghana goods. It will also support local weavers and traders whose livelihood depends on the production and sale of Fugu,” he said.
He commended the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for spearheading the initiative and urged other institutions and the private sector to fully embrace it.
Mr Deh, noted that wearing Fugu showcased Ghana’s identity, heritage and culture.
“As Ghanaians, it is important that we take pride in our culture. Our first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, wore Fugu and Kente to international programmes as a way of protecting our identity to the world. We must continue that legacy,” he stated.
He encouraged students and teachers across the district to actively participate in the observance, saying such initiatives would instill patriotism and cultural appreciation among the youth.
Mr Frank Kwame Dorleku, the Kadjebi District Officer of the Centre for National Culture (CNC), said the institution would intensify public education on the significance of Fugu and other indigenous fabrics.
He explained that although March had traditionally been set aside for the promotion of made-in-Ghana goods, the introduction of a weekly Fugu Day would significantly increase patronage and boost the local textile industry.
“This initiative will not only preserve our cultural heritage but also create sustainable economic opportunities for local artisans, especially weavers in the northern parts of the country where Fugu is predominantly produced,” he added.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, in a letter dated February 10, declared every Wednesday as Fugu Day to preserve, promote and celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Some residents of Kadjebi who spoke with the GNA, welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that consistent observance would deepen national pride and strengthen support for locally manufactured products.
The observance in the district was marked by a colourful display of various styles of Fugu, symbolising unity in diversity and reaffirming commitment to Ghana’s cultural renaissance.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah / Christabel Addo