Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin Condemns ‘Detty December’: “It’s Destroying Our Holy Nation” 

Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has voiced strong opposition to the country’s festive season branding known as “Detty December,” expressing concerns over its impact on the nation’s moral and spiritual fabric.

Speaking at a national event to mark this year’s Labour Day, Bagbin criticized the term “Detty December,” which has become synonymous with Ghana’s end-of-year festivities aimed at attracting tourists and promoting cultural events. He argued that the branding tarnishes the country’s global reputation and is linked to a rise in substance abuse.

“We cannot move from ‘Homecoming’ to ‘Year of Return’ and then desecrate this holy country with ‘Detty December.’ We must all stand up and fight it. I’m giving notice. We’ll take this one up again and fight it to make sure Ghana remains the holy land that the Lord made for us,” Bagbin emphasized.

The Speaker also criticized initiatives like President Akufo-Addo’s ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return,’ suggesting that they have been overshadowed by activities that erode Ghana’s moral values.

Bagbin’s remarks have sparked a debate among Ghanaians, with some supporting his stance on preserving the nation’s cultural integrity, while others argue that such festive events boost tourism and the economy.

In a related development, the government has launched the “Black Star Experience,” a new initiative aimed at promoting Ghana and attracting foreign tourists by revitalizing the tourism, culture, and creative arts industries