NIB launches Fugu Wednesday Wear to promote cultural heritage

By Samuel SAM

The National Investment Bank PLC (NIB) has launched its “Fugu Wednesday Wear” initiative in Tamale to promote Ghana’s cultural heritage and stimulate growth within the textile and creative industries.

The initiative, under the theme “NIB PLC Champions Ghana’s Heritage: Empowering Creativity, Financing Culture and Promoting Tourism”, aligns with government’s declaration of “Fugu Wednesday”, which designates Wednesdays for wearing the traditional northern Ghanaian smock, known as Fugu or Batakari. It aims to promote national identity while supporting local weavers and textile communities whose livelihoods depend on the fabric.

Launching the programme, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described Fugu as a powerful symbol of identity that reflects the history and legacy of Ghana’s ancestors. She said choosing Made-in-Ghana fabrics strengthens the cultural economy and directly supports artisans and traders across the value chain. “Every time a Ghanaian chooses Fugu over imported fabric, a weaver in Tamale earns a living, a dyer in Daboya strengthens her household income, a trader at Makola or Kejetia thrives, and a young designer finds opportunity,” she said, urging institutions and citizens to embrace the attire on Wednesdays.

Managing Director of NIB, Chief Dr. Doliwura Zakaria, said the initiative goes beyond fashion to underscore national pride and economic transformation, adding that Fugu would now form part of the bank’s corporate attire. He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to financing the textile value chain — from cotton farmers and weavers to garment manufacturers and SMEs — and announced plans to introduce tailored credit facilities for textile producers and creative entrepreneurs.

Acting Chief Client Experience and Corporate Communications Officer of NIB, Madam Esther Agyemang Prempeh, said culture should be viewed not only as heritage but as economic opportunity. Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John, commended the move, recalling the earlier declaration of Fugu Day by President John Dramani Mahama and describing the initiative as a catalyst for cultural tourism and sustainable development in the region.

The post NIB launches Fugu Wednesday Wear to promote cultural heritage appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story