Rex Omar, Coordinator for the Blackstar Experience, has responded to rising criticism of the term “Detty December,” which is widely used to describe Ghana’s vibrant festivities during the holiday season. His comments come after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin expressed concerns over the phrase’s implications during a Labour Day event on May 1, 2025.
The Speaker recounted a conversation with a woman in the United States who said she was traveling to Ghana for “Detty December.” According to him, she described the event as a period where people visit Ghana, do as they please without consequence, and then return home. He warned that such behaviors and labels could undermine the country’s cultural values.
Bagbin further linked the term to rising substance abuse in Ghana, stating “No wonder ‘Red’ is now in Ghana. As leaders, we haven’t accepted Tramadol, and now they want us to accept Red. This is what is happening, and it’s destroying our country.”
He urged Ghanaians to resist normalizing such trends; “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.”
Creatives Defend the True Meaning of ‘Detty December’
In response, Rex Omar spoke on Daybreak Hitz with Doreen Avio, urging the public and leadership to understand the cultural evolution of the term. “We are creatives, and we constantly reshape language. ‘Detty December’ is not ‘dirty’, it’s D-E-T-T-Y. It simply refers to open and joyful celebration.”
He clarified that the law still applies during the festivities and that misinterpretations of the phrase are misleading. “People can’t just come here and do whatever they like. If they break the law, they will be arrested. That’s not what ‘Detty December’ is about.”
In a separate interview, Bernard Keith “Sokpe,” known as Mr. Meister and the originator of the phrase, supported Omar’s explanation. “It’s all about enjoyment. Associating it with drug abuse is completely off-base and unfair.”
He added that rather than condemning it, stakeholders should explore how “Detty December” can strengthen Ghana’s tourism and cultural identity.
Looking ahead, the Blackstar Experience Secretariat has announced plans to launch exciting new initiatives aimed at enhancing December festivities in Ghana. These upcoming efforts promise to celebrate Ghanaian culture while maintaining order and safety.
