WITH December in GH celebrations in full swing, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is calling on patrons and event organisers to widen their focus beyond the concerts and entertainment-packed events that have come to define the season.
The Authority explains that while these activities undoubtedly draw large numbers of visitors into the country, Ghana risks missing out on equally important opportunities in investment, enterprise, and broader economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Authority in an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, December 8, Communications Director of GTA, Bright Kwesi Asempa, stressed the need for a deliberate expansion of the December in GH agenda.
He argued that the season presents a powerful platform not only for celebration, but also for showcasing Ghana’s business potential.
He expressed concern that the overemphasis on entertainment events limits Ghana's potential to fully benefit from the celebrations, including attracting foreign entrepreneurs and investors.
“We need to tap into the business side of it because we need a more holistic approach to the festivities. By diversifying the events and activities, Ghana can showcase its rich cultural heritage, boost tourism, and attract foreign investment, ultimately strengthening the economy,” he said.
While December in GH, often referred to informally as Detty December, has been the subject of active discussion in recent days, some stakeholders have questioned the growing perception that it revolves solely around parties and nightlife.
Sharing reservations about the term Detty December, Director of Diaspora Affairs Kofi Okyere Darko, aka KOD, said it paints the celebration as merely a season of entertainment, limiting it to solely having fun.
He said in a bid to reemphasise the season’s cultural, economic, and developmental value, his office, under the auspices of the President, will organise a Diaspora Summit from Friday, December 19-20.
His comments have sparked differing opinions and heated debates, with former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mark Okraku Mantey criticising him.
Mantey pointed out that entertainment events also draw large crowds, so it was wrong for KOD to adopt such a stance, considering his position.
When asked to comment on the controversy, Mr Asempa refrained from addressing the matter directly but clarified that the data does not support the notion that diaspora visitors come only to party.
"As a government agency responsible for promoting December in GH, our feedback shows that many people from the Diaspora are coming to Ghana not just to party or have fun. There are those here for business opportunities.”
“The concerts and parties are very popular; they draw large crowds during the festivities but it is also important to expand the focus to other areas of interest from which the country can benefit fully," he explained.
On Tuesday, December 9, GTA announced a partnership with the State Transport Company (STC) to launch a shuttle bus service aimed at alleviating transportation challenges during the festivities.
The initiative involves deploying dedicated shuttle buses to support the movement of event attendees and visitors on certain routes.
They are Route 1:Prampram → Dawhenya → Tema Roundabout → Drop-off at 37, Route 2: Oyarifa → Adenta Barrier → Madina → Drop-off at 37 and Route 3: Pokuase (Pick-Up Zone) → Ofankor Barrier → Achimota → Drop-off at Circle.
The others are Route 4: Kasoa → Drop-off at Circle and Route 5: Accra Mall → Black Star Square
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