By GhanaNewsPage 
Speaker Alban Bagbin Raises Alarm Over Ghana’s Global Image and Rising Drug Concerns Linked to “Detty December”
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Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has voiced deep concerns about how the country is being portrayed internationally—particularly in the wake of what he describes as the growing notoriety of “Detty December,” a term used by many to describe Ghana’s month-long festive season in December.
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Speaking during a traditional Labour Day durbar at the forecourt of Job 600 in Accra, Bagbin warned that Ghana risks facing long-term social and reputational consequences if citizens continue to project the country as a lawless tourist playground.
“Detty December” – A Threat to Ghana’s National Image?
According to Bagbin, while Ghana is globally admired for its peace, hospitality, and vibrant culture, there is an emerging trend of foreigners—especially from the diaspora—viewing the country as a destination where anything goes during December. He shared a personal encounter from a recent trip to the United States that illustrates this concern.
“I met a very beautiful young Black woman who said she was coming to Ghana for ‘Detty December.’ When I asked her what that meant, she looked shocked that I, a Ghanaian, didn’t know. She explained that during December, people fly into Ghana, do whatever they want without restrictions, and leave. That shocked me,” Bagbin recounted.
Growing Concerns Over Illicit Drug Use and Unregulated Activities
The Speaker expressed alarm at the potential implications of this perception, linking it to the recent surge in the use of illicit drugs in Ghana, particularly a substance known as “red.”
He cautioned that this influx of unregulated tourism, paired with a lack of oversight, could be contributing to the increased circulation of harmful substances and reckless behavior among youth.
“This is not the kind of branding Ghana needs. We are known for our democracy, our culture, and our hospitality—not for being a place where anything and everything goes,” Bagbin stated firmly.
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A Call for Responsible Tourism and National Image Protection
Bagbin urged both citizens and the media to be mindful of the narratives being spread about Ghana, especially online and through pop culture references. He called for a more deliberate effort to protect Ghana’s image and uphold the country’s moral and cultural values.
“We must be proud of our heritage, but we must also protect it. If we allow these labels to stick, they could damage our reputation in the long term and even influence policy decisions from other countries,” he warned.
The Way Forward
The Speaker’s comments come at a time when Ghana is actively positioning itself as a hub for tourism, especially during the Year of Return and Beyond the Return campaigns. While these initiatives have brought economic benefits and strengthened ties with the global African diaspora, Bagbin believes it is essential to strike a balance between open celebration and safeguarding national integrity.
As the December season continues to attract thousands of visitors from across the globe, Bagbin’s remarks serve as a timely reminder for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and the public to reassess how Ghana is being represented on the world stage—and what steps must be taken to ensure it remains a destination of pride, not peril.
