The term “Detty December” has become a point of contention among some government appointees who prefer the phrase “December in Ghana.”
Their concern is that many people, especially older folks, associate the word “Detty” with “dirty.”
Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Santana, has reiterated that the two are not the same and said efforts are being made to create an acronym that removes any negative connotation.
In an interview on YFM, Abeiku Santana stressed that “Detty” is simply slang and should not be viewed negatively, noting that the period brings tangible economic benefits.
‘Detty December’ or ‘December-In-Ghana’ – Does the name matter?
According to the Deputy CEO of GTA, he is proposing that the term be tied to the acronyms Dance, Enjoy, Travel, Turn up and YOLO or December, Entertainment, Trips, Turn ups and Youthful vibes.
“I have said and maintained, and I will defend, that what is dirty about the DETTY? If we understand the economic impact that this DETTY DECEMBER brings? It’s a slang. We have actually developed it as an acronym.
“D-E-T-T-Y is an acronym which means Dance, Enjoy, Travel, Turn up, YOLO or December, Entertainment, Trips, Turn ups, Youthful vibes. It’s basically just fun,” he said.
The term “Detty December” was first coined in 2019 by Ghanaian brand consultant Bernard Kafui Sokpe during a December concert for Nigerian artiste Mr Eazi.
He explained that “Detty” is a playful adaptation of the Ghanaian expression “dirty your body,” referring to enjoying activities that may leave one physically messy but emotionally happy.
However, some within government believe the term has been taken literally and used to justify excesses, arguing that it promotes immoral behaviour rather than tourism and festive fun.
Watch the video below:
We have come up with a proposed acronym for “DETTY” December – Abeiku Santana
D – Dance
E – Enjoy
T – Travel
T – Turn Up
Y – Yolo pic.twitter.com/USB6rDyWkY— 𝕏 Ghana 🇬🇭 (@xghana_) January 14, 2026
AK/EB
