The debate over whether Ghana’s festive-season celebrations should be called Detty December or December in GH should not overshadow their potential to create jobs, boost local businesses and improve livelihoods, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Abla Dzifa Gomashie has said.
Speaking at the launch of December in GH 2026 at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, October 20, she said the focus should be on experiencing Ghana and ensuring that the festivities delivered meaningful economic benefits.
“I don’t know that the name Detty December has caused a bit of issue, but the young people, you can’t stop them from thinking what they think.
“So, if you’re in my generation, you’re welcome to call it December in GH. If it’s your children and your grandchildren, I want them to call it what they want. What we want is for us to experience our country in December,” she said.
Held under the theme “Ghana to the World”, the initiative seeks to attract Ghanaians living abroad, members of the African diaspora and other international visitors to experience the country’s culture, tourism and creative offerings.
Madam Gomashie, however, stressed that the success of the celebrations should not be measured solely by the number of visitors or the excitement surrounding concerts and parties, but also by the economic opportunities created for Ghanaians.
“The true value of December in Ghana must be measured not only by the excitement of the events or the number of visitors it attracts, but also by the sustainable economic opportunities it creates for Ghanaians,” she said.
She said the benefits should extend to content creators, booking agents, hoteliers, tour operators, food vendors, fashion designers, artisans, filmmakers, musicians and young entrepreneurs.
The minister also urged Ghanaians to become ambassadors of their country, saying the experiences they offered visitors could shape perceptions of Ghana internationally.
“2026 December in Ghana is our opportunity to make everyone connected to us a brand ambassador of Ghana through the experiences we give ourselves and our visitors. So, you all are ambassadors of our country,” she said.
She further highlighted the importance of developing Ghana’s cultural and heritage assets, citing initiatives such as PANAFEST, Emancipation Day, the Joseph Project, the Year of Return and Beyond the Return as efforts that had strengthened the country’s appeal to visitors and members of the diaspora.
As part of efforts to expand Ghana’s cultural appeal, she also announced the maiden African Festival of Arts, Culture and Creativity (A-FESTA), being organised in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).
Scheduled for December 9 to 11, 2026, the festival is expected to bring together African Union member states, policymakers, creative entrepreneurs, investors, development partners, academics, local communities and members of the African diaspora to promote cultural exchange, skills development and investment in Africa’s creative economy.
Looking ahead to the festive season, Madam Gomashie encouraged visitors to explore all 16 regions, stressing that Ghana had attractions beyond Accra.
She also called on tourism and hospitality operators to prioritise visitor safety, professional service, reasonable pricing and quality experiences, cautioning against practices that made Ghana unnecessarily expensive for visitors.
“Ghana’s reputation as a welcoming destination must be reflected in every interaction visitors have with our hospitality establishments, transport operators, event organizers, and tourism service providers,” she said.
The minister disclosed that a conversation with Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and founder of Africa World Airlines, had led to the branding of the airline’s latest Embraer E-190 aircraft with the inscription “Experience Ghana”.
She said such partnerships could help promote the country and encourage more people to visit.
Madam Gomashie reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovation, investment and sustainable job creation, particularly for young people and women.
“Ghana is more than a destination. It is a place of heritage, belonging, discovery, and opportunity. We invite you not only to visit and celebrate with us, but to come and explore opportunities for investment, partnership, and lasting engagement,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to work together to make the celebrations safe, enjoyable and economically rewarding, calling on all to help “take Ghana to the world, bring the world to Ghana, and showcase the creative excellence of Africa”.
