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Social media has been awash with heated exchanges between Ghanaians and Zambians following comments about the outfit worn by President John Dramani Mahama during his official state visit to Zambia on February 5, 2026.
President Mahama, who is currently in the southern African nation on official business, was captured in photographs wearing a traditional African smock—popularly known in Ghana as Fugu or Batakari—paired with blue-black jeans and black shoes as Zambian officials formally welcomed him.
Shortly after images from the official reception surfaced online, some Zambian social media users, unfamiliar with the attire, took to various platforms to mock the President’s outfit.
The comments, however, did not go unanswered. Many Ghanaians quickly pushed back, defending the President’s choice of attire and highlighting its deep cultural and historical significance. The back-and-forth soon escalated into a broader online debate involving users from both countries.
Popular Ghanaian YouTuber and travel vlogger Wode Maya also joined the conversation, offering context and cultural clarification in a strongly worded social media post.
“Dear Zambians, the outfit worn by our President is not a blouse,” Wode Maya wrote. “It is a Ghanaian traditional attire known as Fugu, also called Batakari. Our President is deliberately promoting the local garment industry both within and beyond our borders, unlike your President, whose suit is not African.
“It is unfortunate that many of you, despite having access to smartphones and the internet, still choose to remain ignorant,” he added.
The post further intensified the debate, with many Ghanaians applauding the explanation while others called for calm and mutual respect between the two nations.
The incident has once again sparked conversations about cultural awareness, African identity, and the importance of understanding traditional attire across the continent.
https://x.com/ghanapresidency/status/2019076358786142219?s=46
https://x.com/wode_maya/status/2019261744695144631?s=46
