December in Ghana is the best time for African diasporans to experience their heritage and modern African lifestyle

By Kofi Quaye

Accra, Ghana’s capital city seems to become the epicenter of the universe every December. What started as a music festival has turned into a full-blown cultural phenomenon known as “Detty December.” It’s a blend of beach parties, elite nightlife, and high-production festivals like Afro Future that keep the party going until 6:00 AM. For the diasporans who flock to the Motherland towards the year’s end, it’s a fascinating mix of homecoming energy and high-speed commercialization. Since the launch of the “Year of Return,” Ghana appears to have succeeded in turning the year-end Christmas season into a multi-billion dollar economic engine that has the world finally looking at West Africa through a lens of luxury and joy.

Diasporans at the Independence Square in Accra, Ghana

The economic impact of “Detty December”

On one hand, the numbers are staggering. According to official sources, tourism receipts hit upwards of $4.8 billion as over a million visitors touch down with foreign currency in hand. This isn’t just about five-star hotels; it’s also a massive win for the local “side-hustle” economy. From the Uber drivers pulling 18-hour shifts to the street food vendors selling spicy Kelewele and the artisans in the markets, December is the time to get busy. For many small businesses, this one month can represent nearly 40% of their annual revenue, providing a much-needed cushion in a global economy that’s been anything but stable lately.

My family reunites in Accra and shows me what’s trending with airbnbs and hotels

But do hotels, restaurants, and AIRBNB accommodations match global standards for American and European diasporans? What I’ve seen so far of hotels, restaurants and AIRBNBs in Accra suggests they’re right up there. I met up with my America-based nephew and niece this month in Accra. She had checked into an ultra-modern looking Airbnb that had a big-screen television with cable, WiFi, and comfortably luxurious furnishings. His hotel in the Cantonments was just as cute and nice, in an upper-middle-class area. I didn’t ask if they paid in dollars or cedis. It wouldn’t have mattered. They looked just right to me.

The messy side of the “Detty December “ lifestyle in Accra

However, the “Detty” lifestyle comes with a messy side for the locals who call Accra home all year round. While the diasporans are out here having fun, the influx of “dollars and pounds” creates a hyper-inflationary infusion of foreign cash that makes basic survival a grind for the average Ghanaian. We’re talking about “surge pricing” on everything from Jollof rice to rent. There’s a growing social divide where elite events are priced in USD, effectively cutting off the most vibrant parts of the city from the people who actually live there. Add in the heavy traffic jams on major streets like the Liberation Road, the result is close to chaos. Some locals are already saying “enough.”

Future of “ Detty December “

It’s a beautiful, chaotic celebration of Black excellence and a massive win for Ghana’s global brand, but it’s also a wake-up call for sustainable urban planning. The government is already looking to pivot toward “Heritage Tourism” to keep the momentum going year-round without the December overkill. Whether you’re here for the spiritual connection or just the high-end table service, one thing is clear: Ghana has set the bar for how a nation can market its culture to the world. Now, the real task will be making sure the party doesn’t leave the locals behind.