Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, has publicly criticized the popular festive season term “Detty December,” expressing concern over its impact on the country’s global image and moral fabric.
Speaking at a national Labour Day celebration, the Speaker condemned the increasing international usage of the term, which he learned about during an overseas trip.
Bagbin, 67, asserted that “Detty December” carries negative connotations, implying unrestrained behavior, moral decay, and substance abuse during Ghana’s peak tourism period in December. He stated that the phrase suggests an open invitation for foreigners to engage in activities that tarnish the nation’s reputation.
“Industrially and culturally, we are desecrating our country. We cannot move from ‘Homecoming’ to ‘Year of Return’ and then desecrate this holy country with ‘Detty December,’” he said. “We must all stand up and fight it. I’m giving notice—we’ll take this one up again and fight to make sure Ghana remains the holy land that the Lord made for us.”
Bagbin further took aim at previous government initiatives such as The Year of Return and Beyond the Return, which were designed to attract the African diaspora and stimulate the tourism and creative industries. While these programs brought international attention and investment, the Speaker believes their impact has been overshadowed by morally questionable events and behaviors associated with Ghana’s festive season.
The Speaker’s remarks have sparked considerable debate among Ghanaians, especially on social media. Critics argue that the younger generation has successfully rebranded Ghana as a vibrant, attractive destination through initiatives like Detty December, which blends music, culture, and nightlife. Many pointed out that the term helped boost tourism during the Year of Return, drawing thousands of visitors to Ghana.
Commenters expressed frustration with what they perceive as generational disconnect. One user wrote, “Your generation couldn’t come up with anything innovative. But God forbid the younger generation find a way to market Ghana positively.”
Others defended cultural evolution and the role of entertainment in national development. “You can condemn, but culture evolves. Trying to rename or cancel it won’t change reality,” said another.
In a related move to steer the tourism narrative, the government recently launched the Black Star Experience, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting Ghana’s rich culture and attracting more global tourists. Spearheaded by the NDC government under President Mahama, the program intends to reshape Ghana’s creative industry through structured experiences.
Bagbin’s comments have reignited discussions on how best to balance Ghana’s cultural integrity with modern entertainment-driven tourism. While “Detty December” continues to be a magnet for tourists and young creatives, the challenge remains to ensure that Ghana’s image aligns with both its traditional values and its evolving global identity.
