December In GH 2026 Launched As Ghana Targets Greater Benefits From Festive Season
Story By: Zainab Ali
Ghana has officially launched the 2026 edition of December in GH, with a renewed call for the country to use its festive-season celebrations to promote tourism, showcase local culture and create economic opportunities for businesses and creative professionals.
The launch took place at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, October 20. The initiative, organised around the theme “Ghana to the World,” seeks to attract members of the Ghanaian diaspora, visitors from other African countries and international tourists to experience the country’s cultural and entertainment offerings.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Abla Dzifa Gomashie urged Ghanaians to focus on the value of the festive season rather than becoming overly concerned about whether the celebrations should be called “Detty December” or “December in GH.”
The minister stressed that the success of the initiative should not be measured solely by the number of concerts, parties or visitors the country attracts. Instead, she said, greater attention should be given to how the celebrations translate into sustainable economic benefits for Ghanaians.
According to her, the festive period presents opportunities for a wide range of businesses and professionals, including musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, food vendors, hoteliers, tour operators, content creators, booking agents and young entrepreneurs. She encouraged stakeholders to position themselves to benefit from increased visitor activity during the season.
Gomashie also highlighted the importance of hospitality and service delivery, urging businesses to prioritise visitors’ safety, offer professional services and maintain reasonable prices. She noted that the experiences visitors have in Ghana could influence the country’s international reputation and determine whether they choose to return.
Although Accra traditionally attracts much of the attention during the festive season, the minister encouraged visitors to explore all 16 regions of Ghana. She emphasised that the country has cultural, historical and tourism attractions beyond the capital that deserve greater visibility.
The launch also highlighted the government’s Black Star Experience initiative, which promotes Ghana through music, film, fashion, food, literature, heritage and the performing arts. Gomashie further announced collaboration with the African Union Development Agency, AUDA-NEPAD, for the maiden African Festival of Arts, Culture and Creativity, scheduled for December 9 to 11, 2026.
The December period has become an important time for Ghana’s entertainment and tourism industries, attracting concerts, festivals, nightlife activities, cultural events and family reunions. For many businesses, it also provides an opportunity to increase sales and reach new customers.
With the 2026 edition now launched, attention is turning to how organisers, government agencies and private-sector players will work together to deliver a safe, welcoming and economically rewarding festive season.