Trade and Tourism ministers have met with Fugu dealers and producers as government steps up efforts to expand the smock industry, following renewed national and international attention for the traditional attire.
Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie held talks with representatives of smock associations from across the country, focusing on measures to improve production and strengthen demand.
The engagement forms part of broader consultations with production-sector stakeholders, aimed at developing practical strategies to boost competitiveness and sustainability in the Fugu value chain.
Producers urged government to promote Fugu from basic to tertiary institutions to deepen national appreciation and sustain demand. They also cited constraints including difficulty accessing cotton and thread, limited funding, and the absence of a common market that would make smock products more readily available to consumers.
Ofosu-Adjare said the government remains committed to supporting the industry, while urging producers to improve designs to make the attire more appealing to younger consumers.Gomashie called on producers to scale up output, saying the sector has potential for job creation, cultural promotion and tourism development.
The meeting comes as the smock has gained increased visibility after President John Dramani Mahama wore the attire during a recent state visit to Zambia. The government has also declared Wednesdays as “Fugu Day,” encouraging citizens to wear the smock as part of efforts to promote local production.
