This smock is a checkered shirt, like the dashiki that men in Ghana wear. There are feminine versions of it as well. The smock is also known as Bun-nw or Bana by Mamprusis, fugu or a batakari in the north, dansika in Frafra, or fugu or Banaa in Kusaal, all in the upper east. Its popularity has increased in the three northern regions, where it is worn by the kings. The faso dan fadi, the national clothing of Burkina Faso, is related to the smock, which has its roots in Ghana's three northern districts.

A smock and a Kente cloth make up the national clothing of Ghana. Both smocks and Kente cloth have their origins in Ghana's north and south, respectively.