Bagbin slams “Detty December” over Ghana’s image

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has condemned Ghana’s popular festive campaign, “Detty December,” describing it as a threat to the country’s moral and spiritual identity.

Bagbin made the comments during this year’s Labour Day celebration, where he expressed deep disappointment after encountering the term while abroad. According to him, “Detty December” promotes lawlessness and gives foreigners the impression that they can visit Ghana in December and act without restraint.

“It appalled me as a Ghanaian. The idea behind ‘Detty December’ is that anyone can come in and do whatever they like,” he said.

He also linked the rise of the term to the increasing trend of substance abuse among the youth in Ghana, calling it a dangerous signal of societal decay.

Additionally, Bagbin criticized the ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ initiatives launched under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. While these campaigns were initially meant to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their roots, he believes they have now been overshadowed by morally questionable activities.

“We cannot move from ‘Homecoming’ to ‘Year of Return’ and then desecrate this holy country with ‘Detty December,’” Bagbin stated firmly. “We must all stand up and fight it.”

He warned that Parliament will revisit the issue and take the necessary steps to address what he views as a dangerous trend eroding Ghana’s values.