Trade and Tourism Ministers meet with Smock dealers
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The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, together with the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has engaged Fugu (smock) dealers and producers in Accra to discuss measures to strengthen and expand the industry.Trade and Tourism Ministers meet with Smock dealers
The meeting, held in Accra on Monday, February 16, 2026, brought together representatives of various smock associations from across the regions, who presented their challenges, expectations and aspirations to the two Ministers.
The engagement formed part of government’s broader stakeholder consultations with actors in the production sector, aimed at identifying practical strategies to enhance collaboration and promote the growth, competitiveness and sustainability of the Fugu industry.
During the discussions, the producers advocated the promotion of Fugu from basic schools through to tertiary institutions, as a way of deepening national appreciation for the attire and sustaining demand.
The producers, however, drew attention to major constraints hindering their work, including difficulties in accessing cotton and thread, as well as limited funding and called for the creation of a common market to make smock products more readily available to the public.
In her response, Madam Ofosu-Adjare assured the smock producers of government’s commitment to supporting the Fugu industry at all levels.
She further encouraged the producers to be innovative and improve on their designs to make the attire more attractive to the youth.
The Tourism and Creative Art’s Minister, Madam Gomashie on her part urged the smock producers to continue increasing production, noting that the sector holds significant potential for job creation, cultural promotion and tourism development.
The meeting comes at a time when Fugu has gained renewed national and international attention, following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent appearance in the attire during a state visit to Zambia.
In addition, the government has declared Wednesdays as “Fugu Day”, encouraging citizens to wear the smock to promote local production and strengthen the industry.
