Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), has firmly rejected accusations that he wants to “kill Detty December,” insisting that his call is for a more purposeful and impactful festive season rather than endless partying.
Speaking exclusively to Graphic Showbiz on Saturday, KOD responded directly to sharp criticism from former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, who had accused him of being disconnected from the creative industry and dismissive of the economic gains the December festivities bring.
“I am not against the fun. I am against the shallowness,” KOD told Graphic Showbiz. “When the Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, launched ‘December in Ghana’ in 2014, he never said ‘Detty December’. The original vision was to showcase Ghana’s culture, attract investment, and build lasting diaspora partnerships – not to turn the country into a place where people come to ‘do dirty things and go back’.”
The popular term “Detty December” – a playful twist on the Ghanaian expression “dirty your body” – has become the unofficial brand for the explosion of concerts, beach parties and nightlife that draw thousands of diaspora visitors and international tourists every year.
KOD, however, believes the nickname carries a damaging undertone. “Cities like Amsterdam have that reputation for a certain kind of tourism. Is that really the tag we want for Ghana?” he asked.
He cited the 2019 Year of Return visits by Hollywood stars such as Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell and Boris Kodjoe, where interactions largely ended in photo opportunities. “They came, took pictures with politicians and influencers, and left. Where were the real collaborations? The investments? The knowledge transfer? That is what we must change,” he stressed.
The presidential adviser argued that the current Black Star Experience initiative provides the perfect platform to shift the focus. “We must be deliberate. December should not just be about photo-ops and fleeting fun. It must be about collaboration with all the good people who come home – partnerships that leave something lasting for Ghana,” he said.
While acknowledging the billions of cedis the entertainment and tourism sectors generate every December, KOD maintained that long-term national development should not take a backseat to short-term revelry.
His comments have reignited debate within the creative industry, with some praising his vision and others, led by Okraku-Mantey, insisting the “Detty December” brand is now a global marketing asset that should not be tampered with.
As Accra prepares for another high-energy festive season, KOD says his office is already planning “Impact December” programmes that will blend celebration with business forums, mentorship sessions and diaspora-led development projects.
“Ghana is more than a party destination,” he concluded. “We can have the fun and still build the future. That is the December I want to see.”