In brief
At the Ghana Diaspora Summit, Kofi Okyere-Darko stated that the term 'Detty December', which signals a period of festivities and parties in Ghana, carries negative connotations and prefers a rebranding of the celebrations to attract tourists. He shared insights on the country’s robust tourism initiatives that have successfully drawn thousands of visitors each December. Okyere-Darko encourages a shift in terminology to enhance the image of Ghana during this vibrant season.
Detty December, a popular term for Ghana and Nigeria's end-of-year party season, can have negative connotations, Ghana's official for diaspora affairs has said, adding that he does not want the label linked with his country.On a personal level, Kofi Okyere-Darko said he is uncomfortable associating the word 'detty' with Ghana. Detty, which is West African Pidgin for dirty, expresses the unrestricted fun associated with year-end celebrations.The December festivities provide a substantial boost to Ghana's economy, with over 125,000 international visitors arriving last December, primarily from the diaspora. This influx marks a significant increase compared to other months.In response to the term's negative perception, the government promotes its tourism initiative called 'December in Ghana.' Okyere-Darko mentioned that while younger generations might prefer 'Detty December', the official branding serves to enhance the country's image.This year, the festivities are not solely about partying but also include investment seminars, cultural showcases, and major concerts featuring both international and Ghanaian artists, reflecting a broader approach to attract global attention and involvement in Ghana.
