PR & COMMS UPDATE-MoTAI
Fugu (smock) producers and dealers in Accra have been contacted by Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, and Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, to discuss ways to develop and grow the sector.
Representatives from a variety of industry associations from throughout the regions met with the two Ministers on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Accra. They shared their goals, expectations, and difficulties.
The interaction was a component of the government’s larger stakeholder discussions with production sector actors, which sought to develop workable ways to improve cooperation and support the expansion, competitiveness, and sustainability of the Fugu industry.
The producers argued during the talks that in order to maintain demand and increase national respect for the clothing, Fugu should be promoted from elementary schools to universities.
However, the manufacturers advocated for the establishment of a common market to increase the public’s access to smock products and highlighted significant obstacles to their work, such as limited funding and challenges obtaining cotton and thread.
The smock manufacturers were reassured by Hon. Ofosu-Adjare in her statement that the government will promote the Fugu industry at all levels.
In order to make the clothing more appealing to young people, she also urged the makers to be creative and enhance their designs.
On her part, Hon. Gomashie, Minister of Tourism and Creative Arts, encouraged smock manufacturers to keep up their production growth, pointing out that the industry has a lot of potential for boosting employment, promoting culture, and developing tourism.
The conference takes place at a time when President John Dramani Mahama’s recent appearance in the clothing during a state visit to Zambia has brought Fugu fresh national and international notice.
Furthermore, the government has designated Wednesdays as “Fugu Day,” urging people to don the smock in support of regional manufacturing and industrial growth.
Source: newsthemegh.com