In a surprising turn of tone, outspoken Ghanaian musician and media personality Blakk Rasha has heaped praise on President John Dramani Mahama, lauding his administration’s efforts to promote the traditional ‘Fugu’ smock.
The reggae artiste, known for his critical views on governance, described the President as an “angel without wings,” crediting the Mahama-led administration for recognizing the economic potential of Ghanaian cultural heritage.
Blakk Rasta, whose birth name is Abubakar Ahmed, specifically highlighted the government’s decision to designate every Wednesday as “Fugu wearing day” as a masterstroke. He argued that the Fugu, a traditional garment worn across West Africa, has long been an underutilized national asset.
“Fugu is a well-known dress that Ghana could have used to generate revenue and help fix our economic challenges, but previous leaders took it for granted,” Blakk Rasta stated. “It took Mahama’s second administration to realize that.”
He noted that the initiative is already yielding results, boosting the creative industry and creating demand for the product beyond Ghana’s borders. “Now, even the Zambians, who once mocked us for neglecting our own culture, are patronizing the Fugu, and the prices have gone up,” he added.
From Critic to Commender
What makes the endorsement particularly noteworthy is Blakk Rasta’s history of holding leaders accountable. He openly admitted to his past confrontations with the President during Mahama’s first term, acknowledging that his previous criticisms even landed him in trouble.
“I was told angels have wings when I was growing up, but this is the first time I have seen an angel without a wing, and that is President Mahama,” Blakk Rasta said. “I criticized him during his first term—in fact, I criticize anybody who comes across my hot seat. But today, I am saying Mahama is an angel because he has made things happen.”
Beyond the promotion of the Fugu, the musician praised the President’s broader impact on governance and regional diplomacy. “I have seen that by his actions, many African countries are coming together,” he remarked.
The government’s “Fugu Wednesday” policy is part of a wider strategy to promote the creative arts sector, preserve cultural identity, and stimulate local job creation. Blakk Rasta’s commendation adds a significant voice to the public discourse on the initiative’s early impact.
