Ghana’s government wants to move away from the popular phrase “Detty December”, saying the label carries meanings it does not want associated with the country, even as end-of-year celebrations continue to draw tens of thousands of visitors.

Kofi Okyere-Darko, Ghana’s Director of Diaspora Affairs, said he is personally uncomfortable with the term and does not want it linked to Ghana’s national image.

“On a personal level, I don’t want the word ‘detty’ associated with anything Ghana,” he told the BBC on the sidelines of the Ghana Diaspora Summit in Accra. “That’s something I’m not very comfortable with.”

The phrase “Detty December”, commonly used in Ghana and Nigeria, refers to the intense party season at the end of the year. The word “detty” comes from West African Pidgin and literally means “dirty” but is widely used to describe carefree fun and excess.

Despite the popularity of the phrase among young people, the Ghanaian government avoids using it in official campaigns. Instead, it promotes a tourism brand known as “December in Ghana”.

He added that Ghana’s appeal goes beyond a single month, noting that visitors had been travelling to the country long before the phrase became popular.

The phrase “Detty December” gained traction around eight years ago, after Nigerian musician Mr Eazi launched his Detty Rave festival in Accra.

Today, December in Ghana is packed with concerts, festivals and parties that attract visitors from across the world. Many from the African diaspora, particularly from the United States and Europe, with visitors ranging from their early 20s to mid-40s.

This year’s line-up includes performances by US hip-hop star Busta Rhymes, who appeared at the Rhythm and Brunch concert in Accra, and UK rapper Giggs, who is set to perform at the Afro Paradise festival on 31 December.

This year, December in Ghana is no longer just about nightlife and concerts.

Alongside entertainment events, there has been a rise in investment forums, networking sessions and cultural exhibitions. These gatherings aim to connect members of the diaspora with opportunities in property, mining, fashion and textiles.

For officials, the shift reflects a broader effort to position Ghana not only as a party destination, but as a place for long-term engagement, business and cultural exchange.