AS the festive season approaches, the buzz around Detty December is once again in full swing in Ghana and beyond.
For the past five years, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially promoted December festivities under the brand December in GH. This year’s calendar of activities was launched on October 13, 2025, with a wide range of events published on the GTA’s website.
Despite this official branding, Detty December has emerged as the preferred phrase among the youth, who have used it to describe the excitement and energy of the season.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed concern that the phrase suggests negative lifestyles and could lower the country’s moral standards, potentially encouraging immoral behaviour among visitors.
Similar concerns have been raised by the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu. He has questioned the association of the word ‘detty ’, often linked to ‘dirty’, with the month of Christ’s birth, stressing that Christmas celebrations should not be perceived as a time for morally questionable activities.
These differing views highlight the need for a clearer understanding of what Detty December truly represents. Beyond the name, the season is not merely about excessive partying; it is a vibrant showcase of Ghana’s culture, music, arts and social life.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz on Wednesday, December 17, tourism enthusiast and communications professional Francis Doku described the concerns as largely misplaced.
He explained that while December in GH remained the official brand, Detty December had organically captured the energy, joy, freedom and cultural expression of young people during the festive period.
Francis Doku emphasised that rather than dismissing the term because of its name, focus should be on what the season truly represents – a time for celebration, reconnection and cultural expression.
According to him, the focus should not be on the label but on the impact of the season.
“The nation should be more concerned about the real impact of the season. Last year, the GTA recorded 150,000 visitor arrivals in December alone. Visitors came from across Africa and the African diaspora, showing that Ghana has become an attractive destination based on its culture, heritage, and vibrant festive experiences. This cultural renaissance strengthens our national identity and promotes Ghana globally.
“Economically, December in GH and or Detty December generate substantial receipts. Hotels, transport operators, event organisers, and local businesses all benefit, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
“Rather than focus on the label, we should see this season as an opportunity to harness youth energy, celebrate culture and grow tourism and the creative industries responsibly,” he said.
He also pointed out that Ghana is not alone. Nigeria is hosting its own Detty December celebrations, featuring concerts, beach festivals, art fairs and carnivals. Rather than seeing this as competition, Doku believes a stronger Ghana–Nigeria festive circuit could position West Africa as a unified cultural destination, attracting even more visitors to the region.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
