December 26, 2025: Hey, world wanderers and culture chasers! If you’re scrolling from New York, London, or Lagos, drop everything because Ghana is serving up the ultimate festive feast right now.

Detty December – that glorious, glittery chaos where “detty” (short for “dirty” in the best, party-hard way) meets deep-rooted heritage – is in full swing. As we hit the halfway mark of this month’s merry mayhem, Ghana’s streets, beaches, and squares are alive with rhythms, flavors, and fashions that scream “Akwaaba!” (that’s “welcome” in Twi, for the uninitiated). From diaspora homecomings to star-studded spectacles, 2025 is proving why Ghana is Africa’s unbeatable holiday hotspot.

Picture this: Under the sunny skies of Black Star Square today, thousands are grooving at Taste the Culture: A Black Star Experience – a sensory overload of Ghanaian vibes that’s happening right now! This isn’t your average concert; it’s a full-on heritage hug. Launched as part of the government’s Black Star Experience initiative, the event celebrates Ghana’s rich tapestry through mouthwatering cuisine (think spicy jollof rice battles and fresh palm wine sips), electrifying music, and bold fashion parades.

Headliners like Nigerian sensation Omah Lay, homegrown queen Gyakie, and soulful King Promise are dropping beats that blend Afrobeats with highlife – Ghana’s iconic sound born in the 1920s. It’s all about “hearing the rhythm, tasting the flavors, and seeing the style,” with sustainable twists like eco-friendly vendors showcasing traditional textiles and herbal remedies. Pro tip: If you’re in Accra, grab a ticket via the official site – it’s family-friendly, authentic, and utterly unmissable!

But wait, the party’s just getting started! Gear up for AfroFuture Festival kicking off December 28-29 at El Wak Stadium. Formerly Afrochella, this powerhouse event is a global magnet for the African diaspora, fusing music, art, and innovation. Expect headliners like Asake, Moliy, and TXC lighting up the stage with Afropop, Amapiano, and dancehall vibes. Beyond the tunes, dive into art installations, fashion pop-ups featuring kente-inspired couture, and food stalls dishing out pan-African delights. It’s not just fun – it’s a movement promoting community health fairs and creative expos that honor Black excellence.

With tickets flying off (VIPs sold out fast!), it’s the perfect cap to your Detty adventure. And yes, it’s got that heritage heart: Think storytelling sessions on Ghana’s Ashanti kings and interactive exhibits on Adinkra symbols – ancient wisdom meets modern swag.

Ghana’s December magic isn’t confined to the capital. Earlier this month, the Afro-Brazil Ghana Festival (December 12-13) in Accra bridged continents with live music, dance-offs, art stalls, and fusion feasts blending Ghanaian fufu with Brazilian feijoada – a nod to shared African roots across the Atlantic.

Up north, the Damba Festival wrapped up with royal parades and harvest dances, showcasing Dagbon heritage in all its colorful glory. And don’t sleep on the nationwide Ghana Heritage Month vibes, where events like the Fufu Party on a Park turned parks into cultural carnivals with traditional drumming and storytelling.

What makes 2025 extra special? The Ghana Tourism Authority’s push for inclusive, sustainable tourism is shining through. Events are vetted for authenticity, boosting local economies while inviting the world to reconnect – especially the diaspora, with homecoming vibes stronger than ever.

As Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie puts it, “December in GH is a cultural renaissance, a global call to come home.” Whether you’re here for the beats, the bites, or the bonds, Ghana’s got you covered.

So, pack your dancing shoes and an empty stomach – Detty December 2025 is calling! Follow #DecemberInGH for live updates, and remember: In Ghana, every celebration is a story waiting to be lived.

China has committed $30 million to the long-awaited renovation of Ghana’s National Theater, a landmark cultural institution that has anchored the country’s performing arts scene for more than three decades.

The refurbishment, expected to modernize the iconic structure and bring it up to contemporary global standards, aims to resolve long-standing infrastructural and technical challenges that have constrained the theater’s operations in recent years. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly enhance Ghana’s capacity to host world-class cultural productions and international creative collaborations.

A Chinese government delegation recently toured the facility alongside Ghanaian officials, including the leadership of the National Theater, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, directors from the ministry and architects. The visit was intended to assess the condition of the building and define the scope of renovation works.

Executive Director of the National Theater, Henry Herbert Malm, described the project as a critical intervention for the future of Ghana’s creative industry. He said the upgrades would modernize technical systems, improve safety standards and create a more comfortable environment for performers, staff and audiences.

“This renovation reflects our commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving creative industry,” Mr Malm said.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, welcomed the development, noting that plans to refurbish the theatre had been discussed for years. She said the breakthrough was achieved during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent five-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

The minister described the National Theater as an indispensable platform for cultural exchange and learning, both locally and internationally, adding that the facelift would open new opportunities for creative talents to showcase and develop their craft.

“We are counting on strong collaboration with the government and people of China, and we expect that in a very short time this renovation will see the light of day,” she said.

Leader of the Chinese delegation, Mr Li Yaohong, said China’s decision to renovate the facility was rooted in Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and its strategic importance in West Africa. He announced that the $30 million investment—equivalent to about ¥200 million—would support two projects: the National Theatre and an off-road market.

“Our budget is limited, so we propose that you prioritize the most urgently needed parts of the building,” Mr Li said, adding that a technical team from Beijing would be deployed to Ghana to further assess the renovation details.

Planned works include the refurbishment of the theater’s halls and stages, improvements to storage spaces, upgrades to air-conditioning systems, enhanced safety installations such as fencing and CCTV, modern firefighting equipment, and a general facelift of the entire compound.

Constructed under a bilateral agreement signed on July 5, 1989, the National Theater was completed in December 1992 and officially commissioned later that month. It was designed as a multi-functional cultural hub for concerts, dance, drama, musical performances, exhibitions and special events. The facility currently hosts three resident companies: the National Dance Company, the National Symphony Orchestra and the National Drama Company.

The renovation is widely seen as a significant boost to Ghana’s cultural infrastructure and a reaffirmation of long-standing Ghana-China relations in the arts and development sectors.

The Ghana News Agency contributed to this report.

A new initiative aimed at members of the African diaspora considering a move to Ghana has officially launched, offering an immersive alternative to short-term visits and heritage tours.

The Live in Ghana Program is designed for diasporans who want to experience everyday life in Ghana before making the decision to relocate. Organizers say the program provides structured housing, cultural grounding, and practical relocation support to help participants make informed, intentional choices about resettlement.

Participants are housed at Megbɔ Aƒe [I’m back home], a transitional living space created specifically for returnees.

The accommodation serves as a base for cultural immersion, community engagement, and hands-on guidance tailored to the needs of those exploring long-term relocation.

The program offers three options based on individual readiness and goals:

• Two-Week Exploratory Stay, designed for those seeking clarity through firsthand exposure to daily life in Ghana
• One-Month Immersion Stay, focused on deeper cultural integration, networking, and relocation preparation
• Three-Month Reintegration Stay, a comprehensive transition experience for participants preparing to permanently relocate

Organizers explain that the program is not a tour package but a lived experience. Participants engage in cultural orientation sessions, Ghanaian language lessons, local excursions, and networking opportunities with fellow returnees and community leaders. Each participant also receives personalized support from a Travel and Reintegration Specialist, who helps navigate housing, logistics, and cultural adjustment.

The initiative arrives as interest in returning to Ghana continues to grow among African-descended communities in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond—driven by cultural reconnection, economic opportunities, and a desire for a stronger sense of belonging.

“This is about giving people the space to live, learn, and decide,” organizers say, positioning the program as a bridge between curiosity and commitment. “If Ghana has been calling, this is an opportunity to answer intentionally.”

Diasporans interested in learning more can schedule a free discovery call through the program’s official platforms, including @diasporaresource.gh, or visit live-in-ghana to begin the process.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a welcoming home for the global African family, initiatives like Live in Ghana are reshaping how return migration is approached—moving beyond symbolic visits toward sustainable reintegration.