Promoting fugu is about unity, not tribalism-Dzifa Gomashie clarifies

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has firmly refuted claims that the government’s initiative to promote the Fugu smock is an attempt to elevate one culture over another.

Addressing concerns during an interview on Channel 1 TV, the Minister emphasized that the initiative is fundamentally about national unity and economic empowerment, not competition or tribal politics. Her comments come in response to criticisms following the announcement of “Fugu Wednesday,” a campaign encouraging Ghanaians to wear the traditional smock every Wednesday.

“Promoting Fugu should not diminish others. How can it be even a competition? Is Ghana competing against itself?” Minister Gomashie questioned. “Let’s stop thinking about tribes. It is negative. This agenda is to bring all our cultural practices along, not to compete with anybody.”

She dismissed the notion that the campaign is a political move tied to her identity or regional interests. “Am I from anywhere in the north just because I am promoting Fugu? As a Minister, must I go and look for someone from the north to come and promote Fugu?” she asked rhetorically, underscoring that Ghana’s cultural heritage belongs to every citizen.

The Minister acknowledged the revered status of the Kente cloth in Ghanaian culture, describing it as a symbol with a significant ceremonial image. However, she clarified that promoting Fugu is not an attempt to replace Kente but to add to the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. “We are bringing everything along. Kente is woven in many places in the country and is for all of us,” she stressed. “But there is a certain ceremonial image that Kente brings. Some are heavy and some are light.”

Drawing a parallel to Ghana’s diverse culinary traditions, Minister Gomashie appealed for an end to the tribal narrative surrounding cultural expression. “You are a Fulani and you have just mentioned the kind of food you like. For me, I don’t like those foods. Does that mean the people cooking that food must stop?” she asked.

Reiterating the core objectives of the initiative, the Minister stated that the “Fugu Wednesday” policy is designed to promote Ghana’s varied cultural practices on a unified platform while simultaneously creating jobs within the textile and creative arts sectors. “Nobody should accept this agenda as tribalism,” she concluded. “Ghana is one, and our cultural heritage stands tall.”