In brief
Kofi Okyere-Darko, Ghana's official for diaspora affairs, has expressed discomfort with the term 'Detty December,' which is commonly associated with the festive season of parties and celebrations in Ghana. He emphasizes that it can carry negative connotations and instead promotes the idea of a tourism initiative called 'December in Ghana.' Despite the controversy, the festive period continues to attract thousands of international visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy.
Detty December, a term synonymous with Ghana and Nigeria's year-end celebrations, is facing scrutiny from Kofi Okyere-Darko, Ghana's official for diaspora affairs, who claims the term can have negative connotations.
At the Ghana Diaspora Summit in Accra, he stated, On a personal level I don't want the word 'detty' to be associated with anything Ghana... that's something I'm not very comfortable with. The term 'detty' translates to 'dirty' in West African Pidgin, suggesting a loss of control in the festivities.
While departing from the label, Okyere-Darko highlighted the economic benefits of the December celebrations, which attracted over 125,000 international tourists in the previous year, significantly boosting Ghana's economy. However, he clarified that the government prefers the name 'December in Ghana' for its tourism campaigns.
He acknowledged the preference for the term 'Detty December' among the youth but stressed that it’s unofficial. The term gained popularity after Nigerian artist Mr Eazi introduced the Detty Rave festival. Okyere-Darko suggested a potential rebrand with an acronym, D.I.G. - Let's dig it! to keep the appeal for younger audiences while distancing from the term 'detty'.
This December, the festive calendar in Ghana includes numerous festivals, concerts, and parties, along with investment and networking events aimed at fostering diaspora connections. Local and international artists are scheduled to perform, reflecting Ghana's reputation as a vibrant destination for cultural exchange.
While many welcome the influx of visitors, some locals express concerns over increased prices and traffic congestion. Despite these challenges, the government continues to promote its initiatives to encourage greater diaspora engagement, expanding the appeal of the festive season in a more inclusive way.
