Popular African YouTuber and cultural ambassador, Wode Maya, has sparked conversations across social media after defending Ghana’s President over criticisms surrounding his choice of outfit during a recent public appearance in Zambia.
Addressing Zambian critics who reportedly mocked the President’s attire, Wode Maya clarified that the outfit in question is not a blouse, as some suggested, but a revered Ghanaian traditional garment known as Fugu, also widely referred to as Batakari.
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According to Wode Maya, President Mahama’s decision to wear the indigenous smock is a deliberate effort to promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and support the local textile and garment industry both domestically and internationally.
He emphasized that African leaders must lead by example by projecting and celebrating local industries instead of prioritizing Western fashion, which often dominates official state appearances across the continent.
Wode Maya further expressed disappointment that in an era where information is easily accessible through smartphones and the internet, some Africans still fail to educate themselves about the diverse cultural identities within the continent.
He urged Africans to break free from what he described as “mental slavery”, a mindset that often places foreign culture above African traditions adding that the suit wore by the Zambian President is not Afria
The Ghanaian Fugu, predominantly worn in Northern Ghana, is not only a symbol of tradition but also represents identity, craftsmanship, and economic empowerment for local artisans.
Wode Maya’s remarks have since reignited discussions about African cultural pride, indigenous fashion, and the role of leadership in promoting homegrown industries across the continent.
