Abla Dzifa Gomashie launches December in GH 2026 calendar with 150 events

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has officially unveiled the 2026 calendar for the "December in GH" festivities, featuring over 150 events nationwide. Speaking at the launch at the Labadi Beach Hotel, the Minister emphasized that the annual celebration must move beyond pure entertainment to deliver tangible economic benefits. She highlighted the potential for significant job creation and urged stakeholders to ensure that the season provides sustainable support for local businesses within the tourism and creative sectors.

This year’s celebrations are organized under the theme "Ghana Welcomes the World Home" as part of the broader Black Star Experience. The calendar includes more than 100 activities in Accra alone, designed to showcase the country's cultural heritage to both domestic and international audiences. Madam Gomashie noted that the true success of the initiative should be measured by the inclusion of local communities and the long-term opportunities created for Ghanaians. Supporting this sentiment, Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), called for a greater representation of local musicians and creatives in the various event lineups.

Key highlights of the 2026 season include the inaugural African Festival of Arts, Culture and Creatives (AFESTACC). Additionally, the National Commission on Culture (NCC) is set to host the "Black Star Christmas" initiative at the Afua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra on December 23 and 24. These programs aim to provide a distinctly Ghanaian cultural experience, reinforcing the country's status as a leading destination for cultural tourism during the festive period.

While the extensive calendar offers a wide variety of choices, some industry observers have raised concerns regarding the concentration of events. Reports suggest that the high volume of overlapping concerts during the "Detty December" period can create financial and time-management stress for fans. To address this, stakeholders are encouraging a more balanced distribution of entertainment activities throughout the year to improve the attendee experience and sustain interest in the creative arts beyond the peak holiday season.