Funsi, the capital of Wa East in Ghana, vibrated with cultural celebration on [Date of event – infer from context, e.g., a recent day] as acclaimed artist Noella Wiyaala, known as the ‘Lioness of Africa,’ was officially unveiled as the Fugu Queen and Ghana’s new Tourism Ambassador. The significant ceremony was attended by government officials, community leaders, and local residents, underscoring a national recognition of both Wiyaala’s contributions and the cultural richness of Northern Ghana.
A National Embrace of Culture and Talent
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, expressed profound joy at the unveiling, highlighting the long-awaited nature of this honour for Wiyaala. She emphasized that the occasion served as a dual celebration: acknowledging a remarkable artist and simultaneously promoting the unique culture, identity, resilience, and heritage of Ghana’s northern region.
Minister Gomashie lauded Wiyaala as a consistent source of national pride, citing her authentic talent and unwavering dedication to showcasing Ghanaian culture globally. “She has used music, fashion, and performance to project the beauty of our traditions to the world,” the minister stated, adding that Wiyaala has remained deeply connected to her roots.
With a personal connection to Wiyaala spanning nearly two decades, Minister Gomashie noted the artist’s early adoption and promotion of Fugu, a traditional Northern Ghanaian textile, long before its surge in social media popularity. The minister also praised Wiyaala’s extensive work in supporting youth initiatives, empowering women, fostering education, promoting environmental cleanliness, and championing local culture.
Fugu: More Than Fabric, a Symbol of Identity and Economy
The Fugu Queen title positions Wiyaala as a prominent advocate for the traditional woven cloth. Minister Gomashie urged Ghanaians to actively support made-in-Ghana products, specifically calling for patronage of Fugu and other local textiles. “Every thread woven into Fugu tells a story, our story, and our resilience as a people,” she remarked.
The economic implications of supporting local textiles were a key focus. The minister explained that investing in Fugu and similar products directly creates jobs for weavers, designers, and traders, stimulating local industries and the economy. This, in turn, helps preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
“The economic benefits of supporting local products are enormous. Our tourism and creative art sectors can become major drivers of economic growth when we invest in our culture and proudly market what is uniquely ours,” Gomashie asserted. She rallied support with the call, “Let us therefore wear Ghana, eat Ghana, drink Ghana, promote Ghana and celebrate Ghana at every opportunity we get.”
Northern Ghana’s Untapped Potential
Minister Gomashie highlighted the immense cultural and tourism potential of Northern Ghana, citing its rich heritage, historical sites, vibrant festivals, arts, music, dance, fashion, cuisine, and diverse landscapes as key attractions for international visitors. The ministry affirmed its commitment to collaborating with traditional authorities, local governments, communities, and development partners to harness these potentials for sustainable development and job creation.
Wiyaala’s Commitment and Future Impact
Accepting the dual role, Noella Wiyaala pledged to uphold the honour and make her community and nation proud. “And I want to tell my mummy [Dzifa Gomashie] that I have accepted this title, this honour, and I will not disappoint you. I’ll make the whole town proud. When I go out there, I will roar,” she declared, echoing her ‘Lioness’ persona.
Adamu Shayibu, the District Chief Executive of Wa East, underscored the district’s inherent cultural vibrancy and the pressing need for increased opportunities. He described the community as a fertile ground for talent, stating, “All the people that you have seen around here, if given the opportunity, can even do better. Culture is a pride of the people of the area.” Shayibu expressed optimism that with the current leadership at the ministry, Wa East would receive greater support and expanded opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The elevation of Wiyaala as Fugu Queen and Tourism Ambassador signals a strategic move to leverage cultural icons for national development and tourism promotion. The focus on Northern Ghana’s heritage suggests a potential shift towards diversifying tourism offerings beyond traditional hotspots. Observers will be watching to see how this appointment translates into tangible economic benefits for the region and how effectively Wiyaala, backed by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, can inspire greater appreciation and investment in Ghana’s unique cultural assets, particularly Fugu textiles.
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