The CEO of the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), Kofi Kapito, has proposed setting up a 24-hour fugu-making factory to make Ghana’s traditional attire more accessible and affordable for citizens.
Kapito highlighted the economic benefits of supporting local businesses. He suggested that continuous production could reduce costs and ensure every Ghanaian has access to traditional clothing.
“My take is, it’s a good call to put more money into the fugu-making people’s pockets… we should consider whether, as part of a 24-hour economy, we should build a 24-hour fugu-making factory so that it will be affordable and every Ghanaian can wear fugu,” he said.
Kapito also acknowledged regional differences in traditional attire usage, noting that people in southern Ghana do not wear fugu daily. He emphasized the cultural importance of Ghana’s fabrics, particularly fugu and kente, while recognizing the challenges of integrating them into everyday wear.
“Unfortunately, Ghana’s most important traditional clothing, fugu and kente, cannot easily be worn daily, which makes it a bit difficult. But initiatives to make these clothes affordable and widely available are doable,” Kapito added.
He stressed that both men and women should be able to afford at least one fugu in their homes, supporting broader efforts to preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage.
The proposal comes after the government declared Wednesday as ‘Fugu Day’, announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP). The initiative is part of a national effort to promote traditional fabrics and celebrate Ghana’s cultural identity.
