Fugu debate: Zambians did not watch my UN appearance – Mahama

President John Mahama has added humour to the ongoing fugu debate between Ghana and Zambia, by insisting Zambians probably did not watch excerpts of his appearance at the UN.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews’ Maxwell Agbagba after the Ghana–Zambia Business Dialogue in Lusaka, Mahama said the fugu has long been part of Ghana’s identity.

“It’s called a smock in English, but in our language, some people call it Fugu, some call it Batakari,” he said.

He expressed surprise at the attention the outfit received on social media, noting that he had worn the same attire on international platforms before.

“I wore the smock to the United Nations, the highest platform in the world. I’m surprised that Zambians didn’t notice it then,” he said.

Mahama also highlighted the historical importance of the garment.

“In the past it was worn by kings, royalty, and also warriors. When our warriors were going to war, they wore smocks,” he stated.

He added that the outfit was believed to offer spiritual protection.

According to him, the smock represents pride in African heritage and should not be seen as unusual in formal settings.

“I gave him a fugu. What I wore, I gave him one of that,” he said, referring to President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mahama said the growing attention around the attire has helped showcase Ghanaian culture to a wider audience.

“I thank Zambians for marketing our Fugu for us,” he added.