The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has officially launched “December in GH 2026”, insisting the focus should be on experiencing Ghana rather than the debate over whether to call it "Detty December" or December in GH.

"I don't know that the name Detty December has caused a bit of issue but the young people, you can't stop them from thinking what they think. So, if you're in my generation, you're welcome to call it December in GH. If it's your children and your grandchildren, I want them to call it what they want. What we want is for us to experience our country in December," she said.

Speaking at the official launch today, Hon. Gomashie said December in GH remains a critical event on Ghana's tourism calendar that continues to position the country as a preferred destination for cultural experiences, heritage tourism, entertainment and meaningful connections with the global African family.

"A real homecoming for Ghanaians home and abroad, Africans in the diaspora and friends on the continent," she described it.

This year's celebration is under the theme “Ghana To The World” which, the Minister explained, speaks to Ghana's collective ambition to project its unique cultural identity, creative excellence, rich heritage and renowned hospitality to the international community while transforming tourism into a powerful instrument for economic growth, investment, job creation and national development.

The Minister revealed that, as a member of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), she recently told the commission that tourism cannot thrive if Ghana does not develop its cultural and heritage legacies.

She noted that institutions like the Trade, Foreign Affairs and Transport Ministries all depend on culture as products exported by agencies like GEPA are cultural and creative products.

Building on the legacy of PANAFEST, Emancipation Day, The Joseph Project, Year of Return and Beyond the Return, she said the campaign continues to strengthen Ghana's international appeal while creating opportunities across the hospitality, culture and creative value chain.

"The true value of December in Ghana must be measured not only by the excitement of the events or the number of visitors it attracts, but also by the sustainable economic opportunities it creates for Ghanaians," she stressed.

"From the bloggers, content creators, booking agents, hoteliers, and tour operators, to the food vendors, fashion designers, artisans, filmmakers, musicians, and young entrepreneurs, the benefits must extend across our communities and contribute meaningfully to livelihoods."

"2026 December in Ghana is our opportunity to make everyone connected to us a brand ambassador of Ghana through the experiences we give ourselves and our visitors. So you all are ambassadors of our country," she added.

Hon. Gomashie credited President John Dramani Mahama for giving Ghana a global visibility last year through his engagement with the world, his fashion sense and charisma, and praised filmmaker Blitz Bazawule [referred to as Brazoma St. John] for giving the world an "aha moment" of what Ghanaian culture and creative arts has to offer this year.

She also mentioned the Millennium Excellence Awards ceremony in Washington which honoured citizens, the 2026 Sienda Conference in Washington, and a recent conference hosted by the Assemblies of God Church, which have all given Ghana a feather in its cap.

The Minister said it was within this context that President Mahama launched the Black Star Experience which provides renewed strategic direction for tourism, culture and creative arts, seeking to establish Ghana as a leading destination for authentic Afro-cultural experiences through music, film, fashion, gastronomy, literature, heritage and performing arts.

In a major announcement, she disclosed that Ghana, through her Ministry, is collaborating with the African Union Development Agency, AUDA-NEPAD, to organize the maiden edition of the African Festival of Arts, Culture and Creativity, A-FESTA, to be officially launched in the coming weeks and hosted in Ghana from 9th to 11th December 2026.

"This landmark continental initiative seeks to celebrate African excellence. A-FESTA will bring together African Union member states, policymakers, creative entrepreneurs, investors, development partners, academia, local communities, and the African diaspora to deepen cultural exchanges, promote skills development, and unlock investment opportunities across Africa's creative economy," she disclosed.

As December remains the peak period, Hon. Gomashie said the ambition is to leverage its appeal to promote Ghana as a year-round destination and encourage visitors to explore beyond traditional centres to discover attractions across all 16 regions.

She saluted young creatives like Wode Maya, Chef Abbys, Yawa, Christie Brown, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Wiyaala, Ibrahim Mahama of Red Clay Studios, Mauklo Kwaji and others who showcase Ghana positively.

As Ghana prepares for the festive season, she emphasised service excellence, visitor safety, responsible pricing and quality experiences.

"Ghana's reputation as a welcoming destination must be reflected in every interaction visitors have with our hospitality establishments, transport operators, event organizers, and tourism service providers," she cautioned.

She cited a conversation with Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and founder of Africa World Airlines which led to the branding of their latest Embraer E-190 aircraft with the inscription "Experience Ghana," and appealed to stakeholders to uphold professionalism and resist practices that make Ghana inexplicably expensive for visitors.

"Our collective responsibility is to ensure that every visitor leaves Ghana with memorable experiences, a positive impression, and a compelling reason to return with more people."

She reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to fostering an enabling environment that supports innovation, investment and sustainable jobs, particularly for youth and women.

Extending an invitation to Ghanaians in the diaspora, Africans and friends of Ghana, she said: "Ghana is more than a destination. It is a place of heritage, belonging, discovery, and opportunity. We invite you not only to visit and celebrate with us, but to come and explore opportunities for investment, partnership, and lasting engagement."

"Let us renew our collective commitment to delivering an exciting, inclusive, and yet exclusive, safe, and economically rewarding tourism experience that reflects the very best of our country. Together, let us take Ghana to the world, bring the world to Ghana, and showcase the creative excellence of Africa. Be the reason someone chooses to visit Ghana, see Ghana, eat Ghana, wear Ghana, and feel Ghana," she concluded.

Also speaking under the theme "Ghana to the World: Our Music, Our Culture, Our December", the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto opened her address in Akan with a warm Ghanaian welcome: "Mema mo nyinaa akwaaba. Wo ho sen? Obaa kye."

She said there is something special about Ghana that stays with visitors long after they leave.

"It is the warmth of the welcome, the rhythm that gets you on your feet, the taste of a meal prepared with love, the beauty of our traditions, and the extraordinary ability of our people to make a stranger feel at home. This is the spirit that we are celebrating today," she stated.

The CEO expressed that December in Ghana is an invitation to experience the soul of a nation.

"From our concert stages to our cultural festivals, from our heritage sites to our community celebrations, from our food markets to our fashion showcases, we have a story worth sharing and a world ready to experience it."

"This December, we want every visitor to leave with more than photographs. We want them to leave with a Ghanaian song on their playlist, a Ghanaian design in their wardrobe, a taste of Ghana they will never forget, and a reason to return. Above all, we want them to leave with a connection to our people," she accentuated.

She added: "Our musicians and creatives deserve opportunities that match their talents. They deserve stages that build their audience, partnerships that expand their reach, and recognition that translates into lasting livelihoods."

The CEO appealed to all event organizers, promoters, producers and sponsors to "let Ghanaian talent form the greater share of your performing line-ups. Give our artists prominent billing, strong performance slots, fair remuneration, and the production quality that their craft deserves”.

"Let's establish stars that shine. Let emerging artists be discovered, let our DJs bring Ghanaian music into the centre of the celebration, and let audiences experience the richness of our sound from highlife and hiplife to gospel, contemporary sound, and the traditional music of our communities."

She added that while international artists are warmly welcomed into the country and collaborations are encouraged, the collaborations must also open doors for Ghanaian talent to reach new audiences globally.

"The stage we build here becomes the bridge that takes our creatives everywhere."

The CEO further noted that the creative family goes beyond music, stressing "their work gives our celebrations life. Their enterprise connects tourism to livelihood”.

“So, as we plan our events, let us think about the local business that receives an order, the young creative who earns the first professional engagement.”

She urged visitors to explore beyond Accra to visit other regions, listen to history, explore attractions, enjoy cuisines, and engage respectfully with traditions.

"There is a Ghana to discover beyond every concert venue. There are stories in every community, beauty in our landscapes, and creativity in the everyday lives of our people."

She honoured traditional leaders and cultural custodians for preserving Ghana's heritage and called on tourism and hospitality businesses to deliver excellent services.

"A courteous driver, a helpful guide, a clean facility, and a warm reception can turn a first visit into a lifelong relationship."

To the diaspora and international visitors, she said: "Come home, reconnect, explore, bring someone who has never experienced Ghana, tell our story, sing our songs."

"Come with curiosity and open hearts. We are ready to welcome you."

She urged Ghanaians to fully participate in the celebrations saying "this celebration belongs to you. Attend every event, discover a community, support a creative, share our music, tell our stories”.

Maame Efua also disclosed that over 150 events have already been registered nationwide for December in GH.

"Accra alone, we've registered over 100 events. Western Region, 80 events. Eastern Region, 7 events. Northern Region, 5 events. Upper West, 1 event. Central Region, 10 events. Volta Region, 6 events. Upper East, 3 events, Ashanti Region, 3 events, Bono, 1 event. Together, we have over 150 and more will be added as we go on.”

She concluded: "Let us make this December one that opens doors to our talents, creates opportunities for our businesses, and gives every visitor a story worth sharing. Our music, our culture, our December Ghana to the world."