2022 ‘December in GH’ launched to promote tourism

The 2022 edition of the annual December in GH – an event aimed at making the country a December holiday season destination for tourism has been launched successfully in Accra.

The launch which happened at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel was witnessed by some traditional leaders, Diasporas, industry stakeholders, among others.

Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Tourism Authority, during his welcome speech, said ‘December in GH’ is one of the biggest activations in the tourism sector and one that touches on the three pillars of the ministry namely; tourism, arts and culture.

He indicated that, the initiative is in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the ‘Beyond the Return’ Secretariat, adding that, there has been an increasing interest in Ghana as a destination for people looking for fun, pleasure, and culture over the past years, therefore the initiative is going to be one that will connect the African family together and as well boost the economy.

“The success of December in Ghana is unprecedented and has been an important contribution, boosting the economy, and also branding the country as the ‘go-to’ destination in December and the rest of the year, “he said.

He revealed this year’s event will feature concerts, fashion shows and traditional cultural festivals among other activities, across the various regions of the country.

He expressed gratitude about the many new activities planned for this year’s event which include; African Legends Night, the Bloggers Festival, Bukom Boxing Fiesta, the Ga Mashie Jams and returning events such as the Afrochella, Afro Nation, Akwaaba UK, Joyful Way, Westside Carnival, Kids in Tourism, GT Bank Concert, Y Havoc, the Samba Festival, among others.

He urged Ghanaians to support the initiative by participating in the planned activities, and in effect, help make the yuletide celebration in Ghana a unique attraction, both locally and internationally.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, who led the launch on his part said, the ‘December in GH’ event has become an important initiative adding that, “the country is not only gifted with diverse culture but also home to some of the best flora and fauna in the most exquisite ecotourism sites of the world.”

“Today as we launch ‘December in Gh’ 2022, we take pride in seeing Ghana continue to be the leading country of choice for travel during the holiday season in West Africa. Since the launch of our ‘December in Gh’ initiative, we have seen more Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora making a trip back home for the holiday season to enjoy their time with family and friends”.

The President of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), Derrick Johnson, who led about 80 people from the US to the country for the launch, was honoured for his contribution to the ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ programmes which saw some 1.1 million visitors coming to the country in 2021.