Sampa Kabwela Weighs In On Ghana President’s Fugu Moment

The recent wave of online conversations sparked by President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia, where he appeared in a traditional Ghanaian fugu outfit, has drawn reactions ranging from humour to curiosity and in some cases, criticism.

While parts of social media questioned the outfit’s origin and symbolism, Zambian journalist Sampa believes the moment has revealed more about cultural gaps on the internet than any genuine hostility between Ghanaians and Zambians.

Speaking on Culture Daily, Sampa Kabwela explained that the backlash largely stemmed from cultural misunderstanding rather than ill intent.

“What we saw was not malice, it was ignorance,” she said. “And ignorance in the age of social media is loud, fast and embarrassing.”

According to Sampa, many of the online comments came from people unfamiliar with Ghanaian traditional attire, who viewed the fugu simply as fabric rather than a symbol of history, identity and heritage. Social media, she noted, amplified the loudest voices, creating a distorted impression of national sentiment.

Sampa clarified that she was already familiar with the fugu, having visited Ghana and lived with a Ghanaian family in the United Kingdom for over a year. That experience, she said, deepened her appreciation for Ghanaian culture, hospitality and traditions.

“I find the fugu very regal and majestic…it carries presence” she said, recalling iconic images of former President Jerry John Rawlings wearing the attire on the global stage.

She also shared fond memories of Ghanaian cuisine, praising the country’s culinary creativity and playfully weighing in on the long-standing jollof rice debate in Ghana’s favour.

Sampa offered important context to the online comparisons that followed the visit, particularly images of Zambian traditional outfits circulating online. She explained that Zambia does not have a single national attire, unlike Ghana.

One commonly referenced outfit, the Seziba, originates from the Lozi people of western Zambia and is worn mainly during the annual Kuomboka ceremony. While visually striking, it does not represent the entire nation.

“This moment has reopened a conversation in Zambia about cultural identity,” Sampa said. “We’re beginning to ask ourselves: what do we wear that represents us nationally?”

She noted that even prominent Zambian artistes have sometimes opted for Nigerian traditional wear at major events, not out of disregard for their roots, but due to the absence of a widely accepted national costume.

Despite the online exchanges, Sampa was emphatic that Zambians hold Ghana in high regard. She pointed to shared history, education and people-to-people ties between both countries.

“Many Zambians grew up being taught by Ghanaian teachers and lecturers,” he said. “We study Kwame Nkrumah in school. There’s even a university named after him.”

She stressed that the social media narrative does not reflect everyday sentiment on the ground.

“If you walk through Lusaka and ask people about Ghana, you’ll hear admiration, from football to culture to leadership,” she added.

As conversations continue online, the episode has sparked broader discussions around identity, representation and cultural pride across the continent. For Sampa, the takeaway is clear: Africans have more in common than social media suggests.

“Zambians have nothing but love for Ghana,” she concluded. “And moments like this should bring us closer not push us apart.”