Ghanaians worldwide have turned social media mockery into a global celebration by reclaiming their traditional attire for “Fugu Day.”
According to the BBC, the movement was sparked by a digital “war” between Zambian and Ghanaian social media users over the fugu, a traditional hand-woven smock from Northern Ghana.
The conflict erupted on TikTok and X when various influencers and trolls began poking fun at photos of the attire worn at weddings and festivals.
The loose-fitting, brightly colored cotton garments were unfairly compared to “sleepwear” or “fantasy movie costumes,” with derogatory comments like “Why do they dress like that?” racking up millions of views.
While the initial wave of bullying was intense, Ghanaians refused to be sidelined. Instead, they opted to reclaim their narrative, collectively declaring February 10 as “Fugu Day.”
Within 48 hours, hashtags like #FuguDay and #FuguPride trended globally, amassing over 5 million posts.
The Ghanaian diaspora then overwhelmingly flooded the internet with high-fashion photos and dance challenges.
The displays featured everything from classic kente-inspired patterns to bold neon hues and modern custom cuts.
High-profile celebrities, including Fuse ODG and Efya, joined the movement, showcasing outfits that seamlessly blended ancient tradition with contemporary flair.
One X user aptly tweeted alongside a clip of a fugu-clad influencer jamming to Afrobeats, “They mocked us, but now they’re copying us.”
The exchange eventually evolved from a conflict into a broader celebration of African heritage, as Zambians also took to the internet to proudly showcase their own traditional attire, known as the Siziba.
This surge in cultural visibility even caught the attention of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who expressed interest in his country ordering fugus directly from Ghana.
In response, former Ghanaian President John Mahama suggested that Ghana should begin exporting the traditional smocks to Zambia in bulk to meet the newfound demand.