Detty December has taken the world by storm, with the phenomenon’s popularity spreading worldwide.
Each December, many people, especially those in the African diaspora, travel to African cities like Lagos and Accra to participate in vibrant festivities in the form of parties, concerts, festivals, and events.
While Detty December has always reflected Black joy, and the unification of diasporans across the globe is a beautiful sight to see, there are some problematic aspects that deserve attention.
Opinion Section Disclaimer:
All views expressed here are my own.
The opinion section of my blog is an ongoing exploration of my thoughts and ideas as a global citizen.
My views are constantly evolving and may change as I continue to travel, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations with others.
I don’t believe in limiting my perspective or boxing myself in, and I ask that you extend the same grace in return.
I try not to approach topics with a fixed mindset, recognizing that as the world changes, so will my thoughts.
Whether you agree or disagree with my opinions, I encourage you to share your thoughts and perspective(s) in the comments. 🙂
Detty December
A common argument in favor of Detty December is that the influx of tourists during this time brings significant profits to many businesses.
However, the reality is that these profits typically do not extend to the everyday local Ghanaian.
The influx of tourists during peak seasons often overwhelms local infrastructure.
It leads to overcrowded attractions, excludes locals, inflates prices on goods and services, and strains resources.
Africans living abroad have been returning home in December to reunite with loved ones and spend the holidays on the continent for years, long before the term ‘Detty December’ was coined.
However, what was once a celebratory homecoming has turned into an over-commercialized travel period for foreigners.
It has been difficult to watch over the last few years, especially as a former resident and student of Accra.
The blatant exclusion of locals
Detty December attracts foreigners from the Western world who have the privilege of earning in strong global currencies that create a clear social divide year-round between expats and locals, but one that is especially apparent in December due to the events happening.
The lavish parties and events often make the gap between socioeconomic classes more apparent, alienating those without the financial means to partake.
Many party promoters and business owners open venues and organize events with a primary focus on attracting foreigners, often neglecting the needs and interests of Ghanaian citizens in the process.
The inflationary impact that comes with Detty December
Many businesses, particularly in hospitality and tourism, raise prices significantly to capitalize on the influx of tourists and the high demand during this period.
This is a common practice within the tourism industry worldwide during certain events or seasons. However, in Ghana, I’ve noticed that price hikes also extend to local transportation services and even street vendors.
Accra practically turns into a playground for tourists, with a focus on high-end experiences and exclusive events, while locals struggle to access essential goods and services at reasonable prices. Many who are just simply trying to survive in a place they call home.
As a result, prices rise across the board, disproportionately impacting lower-income individuals and local residents who are not participating in the festive spending.
Not to mention that Ghana has been in an ongoing financial crisis the last few years, with inflation rates recently reported at 21.5%, coming down to what was a record-high 50.3 percent just last year.
Foreigners centering Ghana as a cheap travel destination
Over the last few years, I have witnessed an influx of online content from foreign visitors that particularly centers services in Accra as being “cheap.”
They’ll take out their phones to record, then post and rave about services like braids being only $40, a similar issue taking place in Lagos. However, they fail to realize that they may be contributing to a larger problem. Locals cannot afford those same rates, some of which remain even after tourists leave.
I stand by the notion that calling a country cheap to travel to can create a host of issues once mass tourism in that particular de becomes an issue, which has happened in Ghana.
Every year during Detty December, people take to social media platforms to vlog their experience (which I love). However, the problem comes in when videos rave about how cheap services are in the country.
The people doing this are usually Western travelers who have the privilege of traveling to Ghana with a currency that, when converted, is usually 10-14x Ghana’s currency, the cedi.
While it may seem harmless, when visitors return home after having a great time in Ghana, remember that aside from expats, most local people are likely not making a fraction of that amount.
Tips for being mindful during Detty December
While I agree that this is primarily an issue for those in positions of power to address—specifically in terms of how citizens can be protected and prioritized amid all these initiatives—there are still actions aspiring visitors can take to be part of the solution.
These tips can hopefully help you be more intentional if you are visiting Ghana during Detty December.
Support as many Ghanaian-owned businesses as possible
Foreign ownership is prominent in Ghana, and many establishments are not Ghanaian-owned. As a result, the chances that profits are being reinvested back into the local economy may be lower.
During your trip to Ghana, try to support local Ghanaian businesses as a small yet meaningful way to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
By purchasing goods and services from Ghanaian-owned vendors, you might be helping those owners create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and empower communities. This also ensures that the benefits of tourism, which many claim are present in December, actually reach and benefit the local people.
If you are a business owner or promoter hosting events, consider setting seperate rates for Ghanaian citizens.
Business owners and event promoters planning to host events during Detty December can help address the issue of locals being priced out of Detty December events by offering separate pricing for Ghanaian citizens.
This approach is already used at many tourist attractions worldwide, including Ghana, and could be a great way to combat this issue.
By creating more affordable ticket options for locals, Ghanaians can enjoy and participate in the festivities without being priced out.
Photo Credit: Kruna The Club
Shop small and local by asking for recommendations
While the profits from Detty December may not reach everyone, the beauty of this time of year is that it positively impacts those working in specific industries—such as tour guides, chefs, drivers, and artisans—who can be directly hired and supported.
You can make a difference during Detty December by intentionally supporting local businesses.
For example, try eating at a local chop bar a few times, getting your hair braided in a neighborhood salon, or buying artwork directly from artisans instead of shopping malls.
Being intentional about where you spend your money can help uplift local entrepreneurs and make a meaningful impact on their lives.
Avoid reinforcing the “cheap” label on Ghanaian services
Now that you’re aware of the harmful impact of raving about cheap services in Ghana, think twice before posting videos with messages or captions that contribute to this issue.
As someone who earns in dollars, I always try to share my travel experiences in a way that respects the local context.
I provide prices in both the local currency and in USD (since most of my audience is based in the U.S.).
I avoid labeling an activity or service as “cheap” and leave it up to my audience to decide. After all, what’s considered “affordable” or “cheap” is subjective and depends on the currency someone is earning in and the exchange rate.
Watching Detty December evolve to attract diasporans and foreigners worldwide has been a beautiful sight as the narrative of African countries improves.
However, it is also important to shed light on the issues to do better and not contribute to existing problems so Detty December can continue to be a celebration beneficial to all parties involved.
