Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged Ghanaians to view the fugu and kente, both UNESCO-listed heritage products, as symbols of national identity rather than along tribal lines.
Her remarks come amid government efforts to promote the wearing of fugu on Wednesdays, a policy aimed at boosting demand and strengthening the local textile value chain following the euphoria around the traditional wear after President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to Zambia.
The minister made the comments in a sideline media engagement after a visit by the Smock Weavers’ Association to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
She noted that the declaration of Fugu Wednesday is intended to sustain the enthusiasm for the traditional wear noting that it has been widely embraced by parliamentarians and key public figures.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie stressed that fugu and kente are national symbols that should be appreciated across all communities.
“It is not about tribe. It is not about a language. It is about Ghana. For this fugu and kente that has been listed on UNESCO sites as a heritage product that we are offering the world, it should be a rallying round of the red, gold, green and the black star.
“It is not about any particular tribe. It is about what it is that identifies us as Ghanaians. I am using your platform to thank all the people who bought into the idea and wore fugu on Wednesday. Come Wednesday, let’s be even bigger,” she said.
