Abla Dzifa Gomashie launches December in GH 2026 to boost local jobs

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has officially launched the 'December in GH 2026' program, calling on Ghanaians to prioritize the economic advantages of the festive season over linguistic debates. Speaking at the launch event, she noted that the seasonal influx of visitors serves as a critical engine for job creation and business growth, particularly for local artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs. The Minister emphasized that the focus must remain on ensuring sustainable economic benefits for all participants in the tourism value chain.

Gomashie addressed the ongoing public discourse regarding whether the period should be branded as 'Detty December' or 'December in GH.' She stated that the specific nomenclature is secondary to the tangible benefits the festivities bring to the national economy. According to the Minister, the true value of the season should be measured by the economic opportunities it creates for Ghanaians, rather than the name used to describe the celebrations. She encouraged stakeholders to focus on the 'experience Ghana' aspect to maximize local impact.

Highlighting specific beneficiaries, the Minister pointed out that the season offers significant opportunities for content creators, artisans, and the hospitality industry. The ministry’s strategy involves attracting the African diaspora and Ghanaians living abroad to foster deep cultural exchange and sustainable investment. As part of this broader initiative, Gomashie also announced the upcoming African Festival of Arts, Culture and Creativity (A-FESTA), which is designed to further showcase Ghana's creative potential and cultural heritage to a global audience.

In her concluding remarks, the Minister urged service providers to improve visitor experiences across the country to maintain Ghana's status as a premier festive destination. By reinforcing the government's commitment to innovation and sustainable employment, she highlighted that the ministry seeks to transform these annual celebrations into long-term economic assets. This approach aims to support the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians and ensure that the festive season contributes meaningfully to the country's broader development goals.