Mark Okraku-Mantey (L) and KOD (R)
Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mark Okraku-Mantey has taken issue with recent comments by Diaspora Affairs Director Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), who stated he is “not a great fan of Detty December.”
Recently in an interview, KOD stated that the term ‘Detty December’ seems to imply that the massive influx of diasporans to the country was all about ‘having fun.’
He insisted that many would be coming for business purposes and bringing investments to the country.
However, Okraku-Mantey, in a candid response on Good Evening Ghana, argued there is a “disconnect” between what KOD is doing and Ghana’s broader tourism ecosystem.
He suggested that if KOD truly understood the value of Detty December for driving tourism, diaspora engagement, and revenue influx, he would not dismiss it.
“You are looking for numbers, people to come to your country. I know that when you strategise, you might discriminate. In this sense, why are you discriminating? What do you gain?
“If Detty December will bring in numbers for you and your government to look good, how can you say you are not interested? Is it about you?” he asked.
‘Why I’m not a fan of Detty December’ – KOD explains
Okraku-Mantey argued that if a board member does not believe in the concept or support it, the correct course is to step aside, not to publicly discredit the event.
“If you are not interested in it or you don’t believe in it as a board member, you exit. But you don’t say that ‘I’m not interested,” he said.
Okraku-Mantey acknowledged the business side of the influx but argued that nightlife and entertainment events during the season are part of what gets them to spend locally, benefiting hospitality, transport, entertainment, and other service sectors.
“If the diasporans come for business meetings and conferences in the afternoon and in the evening, what do you expect them to do? They have to step out to events to spend.
“So if you are not interested in Detty December, how do you expect them to spend and spend more?” he said.
The term ‘Detty December’, usually used in place of December-in–Ghana, refers to the month of December which sees a wide range of entertainment events in the country, catering to both locals and diasporans who usually throng to the country to celebrate the yuletide.
ID/EB
