Lusaka: Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described President John Dramani Mahama's deliberate choice of traditional Fugu attire as a symbolic revival of the 'African Personality' championed by Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Speaking at the Zambia-Ghana Dialogue, Ablakwa highlighted that the President's attire has sparked significant interest in both Ghana and Zambia, fostering discussions about African identity, dignity, and culture.
According to Ghana Web, the attention surrounding President Mahama's attire signifies a broader cultural reawakening linked to Africa's historical struggle for identity and self-definition. Ablakwa explained that reclaiming African culture was central to the vision of Ghana's founding president and other early Pan-African leaders. He emphasized that this renaissance aligns with Nkrumah's concept of the 'African Personality' and the importance of reclaiming African identity, dignity, and culture.
Ablakwa noted that discussions about restitution and reparations for the transatlantic slave trade should extend beyond financial compensation to include efforts to reconnect with Africa's cultural roots, traditions, and sense of self. He recalled that Dr Kwame Nkrumah wore the Fugu on March 6, 1957, when Ghana became the first African country to gain independence, using that moment to stress that Ghana's independence was meaningless unless linked to the total liberation of the African continent.
He further underscored the historical ties between Ghana and Zambia, noting the collaboration between Zambia's founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, and Nkrumah during Africa's independence struggles. Ablakwa also highlighted Ghana's early recognition of Zambia's independence in 1964 and the establishment of diplomatic relations.
On economic cooperation, Ablakwa encouraged African businesses, particularly FinTech companies, to support the cultural renaissance by facilitating the movement of African fabrics and traditional wares across borders. He specifically mentioned linking Ghanaian Fugu makers, many of whom are young women, with markets across Zambia and the continent.
He referenced Ghana's role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as the realisation of Africa's founding leaders' vision to promote unity and intra-African trade. However, he noted that Africa currently records less than 20 per cent intra-continental trade, according to UNCTAD figures.
Ablakwa expressed hope that the Ghana-Zambia Business Forum would help change that narrative, stressing that both President Mahama and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema are focused on impactful results, such as industrialisation, job creation, and prosperity. He concluded by asserting that Africa's natural resources must serve its people and project dignity and pride.