The Ultimate Guide to “Detty December” in Ghana.

Ghana, to the rest of the world, has always been known as the “Black Star of Africa,” owing to the lone star in the middle of its colorful flag and the long standing peace the country enjoys. With a total area of 238,535 km2, roughly the size of the UK, the West African country located along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean gets to enjoy a warm tropical climate for the greater part of the year. A great political climate and warm tropical weather aren’t the only things Ghana has come to be known for. Since time immemorial, Ghana has been the go-to destination for a lot of foreigners to spend their Christmas and New year holidays. Certain Black historical figures like W.E.B Du Bois and Maya Angelou are even documented to have lived in Ghana for years. But in recent years (the late 2010s and 2020s), Ghana has come to be known for “Detty December,” a euphoric atmosphere that provides an exhaustive itinerary for people looking to have a good time during the months of December and January to cool off after a stressful year of working and studying both home and abroad.

The government of Ghana in 2024 reported that over 1.3 million visitors arrived in Ghana during this period alone, showing a 12% increase from the previous year. As someone visiting a foreign country, it can be difficult at times to find what to do so here’s a complete breakdown of everything you need to know.

Essentials Planning for Detty December

Sorry, but if you do not have your ticket booked by now then you have really done yourself a disservice. Due to high demand during months like October, November and December, it is advisable you book your ticket months ahead, and lookout for ticket deals provided by event organizers like Afro Future.

The best places to stay in Accra are Osu, East Legon, Airport, Labone and Cantonments. This places every single activity and venue at a 15-20 minute interval from you. Other options for stay can be Spintex and Tse-Addo but that means longer travel times. Hotels and guest houses are good choices but those are limited in number so your best bets are serviced apartments and shortlets, which are available in abundance. Security in these places shouldn’t be a problem since these locations are prime locations so they see little to no crime and are heavily policed.

For transport choices, there are very active ride hailing services from Uber, Bolt and Yango. It is always good to have all three so you can always compare prices and go with the cheapest option. If you are looking for extra comfort, you can always rent a car from AVIS, Wopecar or just a simple google search for other options.

Even though the government continues to make the system a cashless one, Accra is largely driven by cash. It would help to have enough cash on you at all times. The only viable cashless option is Mobile Money, which requires a locally registered sim card. However, most restaurants and bars give an option for people to pay with their cards via the tap or insert method.

The weather during December and January is dry and warm so it is advisable to pack light with a variation of shorts, buttoned shirts, crew neck t-shirts, sun dresses, short dresses, skorts and swimwear. Other essentials include sunscreen, insect repellent, malaria vaccine or drugs, powerbanks, hand-fans and drinking a lot of water. If you ever need urgent medical attention, visit a private hospital first for faster medical care.

Must-Do Activities

Detty December is hallmarked by a lot of concerts and raves. The ones you need to definitely attend are AfroFuture, Detty Rave, Zaama Disco, Likor On The Beach, Promise Land, Rapperholic, GTCO Music Concert, Little Havana, Gold Block Party, Akwaaba All-White Party and so many others. Always research the events you’d like to go to and purchase tickets directly from them to avoid any scams. If you want to RSVP or book any tables at an event or the club, call ahead of time to do that to avoid any disappointments at the door.

Ghana also has a lot of nightlife spots to either club or bar hop. The must-visit places are: FrontBack, Republic Bar, Ace Night Club, Kruna, Mood Bar, Mad Club, Polo Beach Club, Twist Night Club, 1102, Aria, Luna Rooftop Bar, Exhale Lounge NO 19 and Sky Bar.

If you are looking for a place to have a chill dinner alone or with friends you can visit Polo Club Restaurant, Indulge, Brasa, Bella Afrik, Zen Garden, Santoku, Asana Bar, Vine, Honeysuckle and many others.

If you are looking for a place to grab breakfast, Starbites Restaurant and some of the buffet spots mentioned below are your best bet.

If you want to try authentic Ghanaian dishes then you must visit Buka Restaurant, Mum’s Kitchen, Bantama Avenue and Oseikrom Aduanipa.

For buffets you can visit Kempinski Hotel, Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra Marriott Hotel, Urbano HotelAlisa Hotel, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, AH Hotel, African Regent, Airport View Hotel, Airport West, Best Western Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Fiesta Residences, Fiesta Royale Hotel, Lancaster Hotel and Ibis Styles.

If you are looking forward to doing some sightseeing and outdoor activities, here’s what you need to do. Ghana has numerous waterfalls, parks, castles and museums in-and-outside Accra you can visit at any time in the day for a tour, places like the Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Aburi Gardens, Wli Waterfalls, Kakum National Park, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Gallery 1957 and many others. You can also visit the beaches in Ada, Kokrobite, Busua, Labadi and Tema.

Cultural Norms and Safety Tips

Ghanaians all over the world are known to be very hospitable people so always smile and say a simple “hello” anytime you lock eyes with a local.

Ghana also has very strict drug laws and some hostility towards members of the LGBTQI+ community so keep that in mind when in public. Also make sure you do not drive an unregistered car and even when you drive a registered car, make sure you have your international driver’s license if you get pulled over by the police to avoid being booked or paying a fine.

When going for a night out, make sure you do not carry too much cash on you. Also beware of event plug scammers at venues who might end up selling you fake or used passes. When you go to tourist sites, try engaging other local visitors so you do not end up overpaying for activities since entry to most places is free. Lastly, most events do not start until 3-4 hours after the advertised time, a phenomenon known as “Ghana Man Time,” so do not panic when you are running late.

Deciding to come to Ghana during December and January already means that you have taken the first step to having the best time of your life. Follow these guidelines and this would be a time you would remember for the rest of your life.

Have fun and take care of yourself!