Fugu Day is a weekly cultural observance in Ghana where individuals are encouraged to wear the fugu or batakari, also known as the batakari or Ghanaian smock, a handwoven garment mainly linked to northern Ghana.[1] In February 2026, Ghana's government designated Wednesdays for this practice to safeguard Ghana's cultural heritage and build national pride.[2] The initiative will boost local textile production and the garment sector.[1] The fugu consists of narrow strips of thick cotton fabric, sewn together into a loose-fitting poncho-style garment, often featuring bright colours. According to oral traditions among the Dagomba people of Dagbon, it was introduced in the 1600s during the reign of Yaa Naa Zanjina, predating the modern suit in the region.[3][4] Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, wore the garment during independence celebrations on 6 March 1957.[5]In early February 2026, President John Dramani Mahama appeared in fugu during a visit to Zambia. Some Zambians mocked its appearance online, comparing it to a blouse. Ghanaians countered with social media posts under #FuguDay.[6]  "Gov't declares Wednesdays as official 'Fugu Day'". Graphic Online. 2026-02-10. Retrieved 2026-02-21.  "Gov't declares Wednesday as 'Fugu Day' to promote Ghanaian heritage - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 2026-02-21.  Acquaah, Samuel; Amissah, Emmanuel R K; Yankson, Patrique de Graft (March 15, 2017). "Dress aesthetics of smock in northern Ghana: Form, function, and context". MedCrave.  Media, GH News (2026-02-06). "Fugu: Ghana's Traditional Smock of Pride and Heritage". GH News. Retrieved 2026-02-21.  "Bernard Monarh details history behind Nkrumah's Independence Smock". GhanaWeb. 2023-09-24. Archived from the original on 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2026-02-21.  "Ghana declares Wednesday 'Fugu Day' to promote batakari after Zambia banter". www.bbc.com. 2026-02-11. Retrieved 2026-02-21.