HH joins Zambians, Ghanaians debate over President Mahama’s ‘blouse’ dress code

President Hakainde Hichilema has weighed in on the ongoing heated debate between Zambians and Ghanaians over President John Dramani Mahama’s dress code.

The debate ensued on social media as President Mahama touched down at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Wednesday.

Some Zambians took it to social media mocking Mahama’s fugu attire calling it a blouse.

Joining in the debate, President Hichilema said:

“I wish you had continued today to dress like you did. It’s a good cultural practice that showcases Ghanaian heritage.”

Meanwhile, in response, one social analyst Sampa Kabwera had this to say:

To my Ghanaian brothers and sisters: I understand your outrage. You have every reason to feel personally offended. The Fugu is a piece of your identity, dignity, and culture woven into fabric.

The Zambians who mischaracterized the Fugu are few, and they are genuinely ignorant of Ghanaian culture and traditional attire. Do not judge Zambia by the noise of a handful of people who hide behind social media to mock, insult, and chase likes.

I speak for millions of Zambians when I say we hold deep admiration for Ghana – your history, your culture, your people, your food, and even your politics.

Ghana is not foreign to us. Many Ghanaians have made Zambia their home. There is a thriving Ghanaian community in Zambia. Some have married Zambians. Some are prominent businesspeople. They are part of us.

One of the most respected and beloved figures in our media industry was a Ghanaian-born journalist and trainer, Edem Djokotoe, who lived and worked among us for three decades. When we lost him to cancer on 18 August 2022, Zambia mourned the loss of one of its own. Thousands paid tribute. The Government of Zambia recognized his contribution. That is the relationship between Ghana and Zambia.

So why mention all this?

Because while a few Zambians may not recognize the regal Fugu, they know and love many other parts of Ghana.

We wear Kente and Ankara proudly at weddings and ceremonies, often declaring with pride that it’s original and from Ghana. We love raw shea butter on our skin and hair. We know your naming traditions; that Kwame is a boy born on Saturday. We know your film stars: Van Vicker, Jocelyn Dumas, Peter Mensah. We learned about Kwame Nkrumah in school. We grew up watching Abedi Pele, Michael Essien, and Tony Yeboah on the football pitch. We are fascinated by your rich, dignified, eccentric and flamboyant funeral traditions.

This moment, though unfortunate, is an opportunity for us to know each other better. Let us interact more deeply as Africans beyond official state visits. Let our broadcasters and content creators tell more African stories.

May I propose that the Fugu, along with other traditional attires from across the continent, be embraced and celebrated as proudly African attire everywhere.

On behalf of my country, I offer an apology. We should never use platforms built elsewhere to demean one another.

One Africa. One People.

Long live Ghana. Long live the royal and regal Fugu.