President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s outfit to the coronation of the new overlord of Dagbon last Friday has been trending on social media.
The coronation of Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II after nearly two decades of conflict over the rightful heir to the skin, saw Ghanaians from all walks of life beautifully dressed in the historic event.
While there were more than enough memorable sights and scenes from the event, President Akufo-Addo’s unusual attire, appears to be the one that stole the show and caught the attention of most Ghanaians.
President Akufo-Addo aka Abudani, dressed in an impressive yellow handwoven smock with traditional northern trousers as a typical Takai dance outfit for the grand ceremony.
Underlying the yellow and leather boots was a strong message to the people of Dagbon in the Northern Region of PEACE.
His outfit was one typically worn by Takai dancers. The pair of trousers is traditionally known as Kurugu.
Kurugu is sewn from several yards of fugu (smock) that reaches the ankle and comes out bulky in nature.
The design of the Kurugu naturally gathers around the thighs of anyone who wears it.
The long handmade leather boots are traditionally known as Mugri. Mugri is a natural match to the Kurugu which is tucked into the boots.
The Kurugu, mugri and handwoven smock to match, are typically worn by royals or persons with high reputation in society, but can also be worn by anyone who can afford it.
It is worn during festive occasions including the Damba festival.
Anyone in such attire is considered correctly dressed for the festive occasion, so it was just perfect for President Akufo-Addo to attend the inauguration in that outfit.
On the colour, some locals say yellow signifies peace, something most desired for the Dagbon kingdom after years of conflicts.
Indeed, the attire in itself reminds Dagbon people of the need for peace as the Takai dance, done typically in the Kurugu, handwoven smock and mugri, flows with a drum rhythm whose language simply says: “The chief says listen, stop the fight.”
