Ghana's Diaspora Affairs Official Disavows 'Detty December' Label

Mon Dec 22 2025 22:26:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ghana's official for diaspora affairs, Kofi Okyere-Darko, expresses discomfort with the popular term 'Detty December', which refers to the end-of-year party season, indicating he prefers not to associate it with the country's image.

Kofi Okyere-Darko, Ghana's official for diaspora affairs, has recently stated his discomfort with the term 'Detty December', which refers to the vibrant end-of-year celebration in Ghana and Nigeria. He argues that the term carries negative connotations, preferring instead to promote a tourist initiative dubbed 'December in Ghana'. Despite the popularity of the 'Detty December' label among younger generations, the government aims to rebrand the experience while still attracting tourists. This December, events like concerts and festivals are expected to draw large crowds, but officials seek to emphasize a more positive narrative concerning tourism and cultural engagement.

Ghana's Diaspora Affairs Official Disavows 'Detty December' Label

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 I don't want the word 'detty' to be associated with anything Ghana... that's something I'm not very comfortable with, Kofi Okyere-Darko stated.

The word 'detty', derived from West African Pidgin meaning 'dirty', indicates fun without restrictions during the year's end celebrations. Despite its reputation, last December saw over 125,000 international visitors, especially from the diaspora, traveling to Ghana, thus positively impacting the country's economy.

However, Okyere-Darko stated that the government avoids using 'Detty December', favoring a tourism initiative labeled 'December in Ghana' instead. This was reiterated during the Ghana Diaspora Summit in Accra, where he discussed the nuances of the term's association with the nation's brand.

He acknowledged that while many young people prefer the phrase 'Detty December', it is not the official branding. Okyere-Darko suggested a potentially new branding strategy: D.I.G. - Let's dig it! to appeal to younger audiences without using the term 'detty'.

Since its rise to popularity, notably after Nigerian artist Mr. Eazi's launch of the Detty Rave festival in Accra nearly eight years ago, 'Detty December' has come to signify a bustling calendar filled with parties, concerts, and gatherings particularly appealing to younger generations.

This December, Accra will host numerous events, including performances by US hip-hop star Busta Rhymes and UK rapper Giggs, alongside local artists like Samini and Reggie Rockstone. However, the surge in tourism during this period raises concerns among locals regarding price increases, overcrowding, and congestion.

Interestingly, the Ghanaian government has expanded the December festivities to include investment seminars and cultural showcases, presenting opportunities in various sectors to the diaspora and tourists alike, potentially shifting the focus from solely entertainment to broader engagement.