Ghanaian Official Addresses 'Detty December' Term for End-of-Year Tourism
Kofi Okyere-Darko, Ghana's official for diaspora affairs, has expressed discomfort with the term "Detty December," a popular label for the country's end-of-year party season. Okyere-Darko stated that he prefers not to associate the term with Ghana, citing "negative connotations." The term "detty," derived from West African Pidgin for "dirty," is used to describe a period of extensive celebratory activities.
Economic Impact and Visitor Numbers
The festive season in December is recognized for its significant contribution to Ghana's economy. In the previous December, over 125,000 international visitors, many of whom were diasporans, traveled to Ghana. This represented a notable increase compared to other months in the same year, a trend observed over the preceding three years as well.
Government Branding and Alternative Terms
The Ghanaian government's tourism initiatives intentionally avoid the "Detty December" label. Instead, they promote the season under the name "December in Ghana." Mr. Okyere-Darko, who oversees Ghana's diaspora relations, noted that while younger generations may favor "Detty December," it is not the official designation. He suggested a potential rebranding of "December in Ghana" to the acronym "D.I.G.," proposing the slogan "Let's dig it!"
Origins and Events
The phrase "Detty December" gained prominence approximately eight years ago following the launch of the Detty Rave festival in Accra by Nigerian musician Mr. Eazi. This December, Accra is experiencing high visitor numbers for various festivals, parties, and concerts. Attendees are primarily from the US and Europe, ranging in age from early 20s to mid-40s, engaging in social activities throughout the week.
Scheduled performances include:
- US hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes at the Rhythm and Brunch concert.
- UK rapper Giggs at the Afro Paradise festival on December 31.
- Ghanaian artists such as Samini and Reggie Rockstone at other major events.
Tourism Promotion and Evolving Offerings
Ghana has actively promoted itself as a destination for individuals from the African continent and the African diaspora. The 2019 "Year of Return" initiative encouraged those with African heritage to invest in the country. While the influx of foreign visitors in December is largely viewed positively, some local residents have reported concerns regarding increased prices, overcrowding, and traffic congestion during this period.
Beyond entertainment, the "December in Ghana" calendar is expanding to include investment seminars, networking sessions, and cultural showcases. These events aim to provide the diaspora with opportunities in sectors such as property, minerals, fashion, and textiles, indicating a diversification from solely party-focused activities.