The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called for this year’s December in Ghana celebrations to generate lasting economic opportunities for Ghanaians beyond the entertainment value of the festivities.
Speaking at the launch of December in Ghana 2026 on October 20, Abla Dzifa Gomashie said the growing popularity of the annual festive season should translate into tangible economic benefits for Ghanaians working across the tourism and creative sectors.
“The true value of December in Ghana must be measured not only by the excitement of the events or the number of visitors it attracts, but also by the sustainable economic opportunities it creates for Ghanaians,” she said.
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According to the Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the benefits of the initiative should extend across the entire tourism and creative value chain, including booking agents, hoteliers, tour operators, food vendors, fashion designers, artisans, filmmakers, musicians and young entrepreneurs.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie stressed that strengthening participation within these sectors would ensure that the economic gains from the annual celebrations are broadly shared and sustained beyond the festive period.
Echoing the minister’s call, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, urged stakeholders to ensure that Ghanaian creatives secure a greater share of the opportunities generated by December in Ghana.
Maame Efua Houadjeto said part of the ministry’s vision is to expand international opportunities for Ghanaian musicians and other creatives by connecting them to wider audiences and strategic partnerships capable of supporting long-term career growth.
“At the heart of this year’s message is a clear ambition to carry Ghanaian talents further into the international market. Our musicians and creatives deserve opportunities that match their talents. They deserve stages that build their audience, partnerships that expand their reach and recognition that translate into lasting livelihoods,” she said.
She also appealed to event organisers to prioritise local content by giving Ghanaian performers a stronger presence in festival and concert line-ups during the festive season.
“Let Ghanaian talents form the greater share of your performing line-ups,” she said.
This year’s December in Ghana campaign is being held under the theme, “Ghana Welcomes the World Home,” as organisers seek to position the country as a leading destination for cultural tourism.
The initiative forms part of the broader Black Star Experience, a programme aimed at promoting Ghana’s culture, heritage, tourism and creative economy.