By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Feb. 12, GNA- Mr. Gabriel Agambilla, Founder of Alagumgube, says the recent surge in patronage of the local fabric, smock also known as Fugu, triggered by President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Zambia, has significantly boosted the local Fugu industry.
He said this had rekindled interest in the traditional textile and opening new opportunities for weavers and traders.
Offering his perspective on this trending issue, Mr. Agambilla noted that local producers of Fugu stand to benefit the most, as they would reap substantial gains from the heightened demand and enhanced visibility.
However, Mr. Agambilla urged President Mahama and the government to implement measures that would safeguard and promote local production of the fabric.
He emphasised that the government and key stakeholders must ensure local fabric producers retained exclusive rights to produce the popular and prestigious Fugu fabric.
Mr. Agambilla said there should be a concerted efforts to prevent foreigners from exploiting the surge for personal gain.
He advocated a robust crackdown on the production and distribution of counterfeit or fake versions of Fugu attire, warning that failure to act could compromise the quality of the fabric and deprive local producers of the rightful benefits they deserve.
Fugu, a traditional attire of the people from the Northern part of Ghana, has emerged as a continent-wide phenomenon following President Mahama’s visit to Zambia.
What began as online trolling of the President’s outfit by some Zambians evolved into widespread visibility and popularisation of the attire, as Ghanaians mounted a spirited defence of President Mahama and championed the cultural significance of Fugu.
Following the incident, the Government has declared Wednesdays as National Fugu Day, a dedicated day for wearing the Fugu to celebrate and promote this iconic Ghanaian heritage.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei