CoS Unveils ‘December in Ghana’

 …as Tourism Reset Gains Momentum

By Prince Ahenkorah

In a move to reposition Ghana as Africa’s premier festive destination, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, flanked by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority, officially launched the “December in Ghana” initiative at Jubilee House on October 13.
The programme, which aims to boost tourism, celebrate Ghanaian culture, and attract global attention, is being touted as a strategic reset of the country’s tourism sector. Debrah, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, described the initiative as a cornerstone of Ghana’s post-pandemic economic recovery and cultural diplomacy.
“Ghanaians are naturally warm, welcoming, and kind-hearted,” Debrah said, urging stakeholders to leverage the country’s hospitality as a competitive advantage. He noted that international visitors consistently praise Ghana’s safety and friendliness, often remarking on the ability to walk freely at night a rarity in many destinations.
The Chief of Staff challenged the tourism sector to broaden its focus beyond foreign arrivals and invest in domestic tourism. “You live only once,” he said. “If God has given you such a beautiful country, why not explore it?”
The initiative is expected to serve as a platform for showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage, music, festivals, and culinary experiences. It also aligns with the government’s broader agenda to use tourism as a driver of job creation, cultural exchange, and national branding.
Debrah emphasized that “December in Ghana” is not just a seasonal campaign but a long-term strategy to embed tourism into Ghana’s development architecture. He called on the Ministry and its partners to scale up efforts, ensure inclusivity, and maintain high standards of service delivery.
The launch marks a significant shift in Ghana’s tourism narrative from passive promotion to active engagement. With global competition for tourist dollars intensifying, Ghana’s bet on hospitality and cultural capital may prove decisive.
As the festive season approaches, all eyes will be on how the initiative translates from policy to impact and whether Ghana can truly claim its place as the continent’s December destination of choice.