The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, together with the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has met with Fugu (smock) dealers and producers in Accra to discuss measures to expand and strengthen the industry.
The meeting, held on Monday, February 16, 2026, brought together representatives of smock associations from across the regions. Producers presented their challenges, expectations, and aspirations, including calls for greater access to cotton and thread, improved funding, and the creation of a common market to make smock products more readily available.
Stakeholders also advocated for the promotion of Fugu in schools and universities to deepen national appreciation for the attire and sustain demand.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare assured producers of government’s commitment to supporting the industry at all levels. She encouraged innovation and improved designs to make the attire more attractive to the youth.
Hon. Gomashie emphasized the sector’s potential for job creation, cultural promotion, and tourism development, urging producers to increase production to meet growing demand.
The engagement forms part of broader government consultations with production sector actors aimed at enhancing collaboration and promoting competitiveness and sustainability.
The meeting comes at a time when Fugu has gained renewed national and international attention, following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent appearance in the attire during a state visit to Zambia. Government has also declared Wednesdays as “Fugu Day,” encouraging citizens to wear the smock to promote local production and strengthen the industry.
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