The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Fugu as both a cultural emblem and an economic driver, following a high-level stakeholder engagement with smock producers and dealers in Accra.

Sector Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who led the discussions, highlighted the growing relevance of the traditional fabric in creating jobs, preserving heritage and boosting tourism. She noted that strengthening the Fugu value chain could unlock significant opportunities for local artisans and small businesses across the country.

The meeting was jointly conducted with the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and focused on addressing persistent production and distribution challenges while exploring strategies to expand domestic and international markets.

Producers and dealers raised concerns about limited access to raw materials, inadequate financing, distribution bottlenecks and the need for stronger promotion of Fugu in schools and public institutions. They called for targeted support to scale up operations and meet rising demand.

The renewed push comes at a time of increased global attention on Ghana’s indigenous textiles, sparked in part by John Dramani Mahama’s recent public appearance in Fugu during a state visit to Zambia. The moment has since been widely viewed as a boost for the fabric’s international visibility.

According to the ministry, closer collaboration with stakeholders will help transform the traditional garment into a sustainable industry capable of supporting inclusive economic growth while safeguarding Ghana’s cultural identity.

Officials say further engagements and policy measures are expected as government works to modernise production systems and open new markets for the iconic northern textile.