Creative industry divided over “December in GH”

A statement by Baba Sadiq during Joy FM’s manifesto debate on the creative industries is scheduled to take place on September 14, 2024, has caused controversy.

The parliamentary candidate for Okaikoi Central constituency traced the origin of the December in GH initiative to Live FM, noting that the initiative by the NPP government was nothing new.

While the Managing Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, indicated that the “December in GH” project was launched in August 2019, Baba Sadiq responded that its origin predates the date mentioned by the GTA boss.

“Live FM has already announced December 2016 in GH,” said Baba Sadiq.

This sparked a debate on social media, with people such as ImageBureau team leader George Quaye and former Live FM presenters KOD and Mike Cooke invited to give their opinions on the issue.

CODE who was present at Joy FM’s manifesto debate on the creative industries, later posted on Facebook: “For clarification, DECEMBER IN GHANA was an initiative of Live FM in 2013.”

Mike Cooke’s report

For those interested in the facts, the “December in Ghana” concept was started back in 1998 by Vibe FM and Akwaaba UK.

Radical Dee from Akwaaba UK and I used the carnival and Vibe FM events in December to promote these festivities to the diaspora. Many can attest to Vibe FM’s champagne parties, the All White and All Black parties at Boomerang and the launch of Monarch, Britannia and Ghana Tours in our travel market.

Akwaaba has hosted notable personalities such as Tim Westwood at Ghana’s December parties, and All Star Steel Bands and the Kings and Queens of Calypso have graced the Accra Carnival in December.

This dynamic led to the formation of a committee by former Minister of Tourism, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, of which I and the late Ferdinand Ayim were members, to develop strategies to attract the diaspora market after President Kufuor came to power.

During the Rawlings government, Panafest and Emancipation were introduced but lost appeal due to lack of funding.

This is where the idea of ​​the Joseph Project was born, the aim of which was to use the 400th anniversary of the abolition of slavery as a wake-up call.

The Joseph Project sought to reconnect the African diaspora with their roots and foster a sense of identity and belonging. It included cultural events, historical tours and educational programs that highlighted Ghana’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and its rich cultural heritage.

What we know today as the Year of Return is essentially a reimagined concept of the Joseph Project. The Year of Return 2019 was a significant milestone, attracting thousands of visitors from the diaspora, boosting tourism and generating significant economic benefits for Ghana.

In addition, it sparked renewed interest in Ghana’s culture and history, leading to increased investment in the tourism sector and the creation of new business opportunities.

Credit for implementation goes to Hon-Catherine Abelema Afeku and @akwasi agyeman. Their efforts ensured that the initiative was well publicized and effectively implemented, resulting in a successful campaign that has had a lasting impact on Ghana’s tourism industry.

In summary, both governments have contributed significantly to our success today and we can only hope to build on these successes.

George Quaye believes the NPP deserves credit for giving life to the initiative

December in GH: What it was vs. what it is.

Before Reggie Rockstone, there was Twi-Rap in GH. Reggie is called GrandPapa – the father and founder of hiplife because he’s the one who gave it its name. He’s the one who gave it life. He’s the one who gave it an identity. He’s the one who gave it meaning!

Only a fool would say that there was no activity in Ghana in December before 2019.

In fact, history would not forgive us if we ignored the efforts of the people at Akwaaba UK, Live FM, Vibe FM etc.

Yet the same history would also laugh at us if we did not acknowledge the fact that most, if not all, of these events have died, including my favourite concert Ghana Rocks, which was managed by Charterhouse!

With the “decline” of these events and the closure of many of the then popular clubs (Aphro, Boom, etc.), December in Ghana became a month often marked by relative calm, lacking the vibrant energy and festive atmosphere that has since become synonymous with this month.

While the holiday season traditionally brought with it a certain level of activity, it was not the bustling party destination it is today. Many Ghanaians spent this time with family, reflecting on the past year and preparing for the new one to come.

Yes, there were isolated events that were driven primarily by private planners without government support, approval or backing, but that was nothing compared to what we are seeing today.

The turning point came with the launch of the Year of Return initiative in 2019, marking the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the Americas. This initiative was a call for the African diaspora to return to their roots and coincided with a broader initiative to celebrate Ghana’s rich culture, heritage and history.

The “Year of Return” not only encouraged Ghanaians abroad to reconnect with their homeland, but also attracted tourists from all over the world who wanted to share in a unique cultural experience.

Under the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a number of targeted and strategic activities were launched to promote December in Ghana as a party destination. Calling for events, introducing December in GH as an activity in the arts, targeted event sponsorship, event support, event expansion, etc. These initiatives, unprecedented in our history, not only showcased local talent but also brought international artists to Ghana, enhancing the festive atmosphere and drawing crowds from all over the world. It is no coincidence that global brands like Afronation and the Global Citizens events decided to dock in GH.

The marketing of December as a vibrant party month was further supported by social media where influencers and travelers shared their experiences and created a buzz that resonated far beyond Ghana’s borders. Thank you to all our bloggers, media houses and brands like Blacvolta Network, Wodemaya etc.

The combination of cultural events, concerts and nightlife makes December an attractive time of year for locals and tourists and makes Ghana home to many people from all over the world.

In addition to the plethora of events that now grace the December calendar, a special website has been launched to centralize information on December events in Ghana. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has reported that it has received registrations for over 100 events and theater performances scheduled for this December alone.

This commitment to promoting the festive season has further cemented Ghana’s position as a premier destination for year-end celebrations.

As a result, December in Ghana has become a popular destination for those who want to spend the holidays in a vibrant and culturally rich environment.

You can deny it all you want for political reasons, but like it or not, the transformation is remarkable: what was once a relatively quiet month has become a highlight in the global party calendar, attracting thousands who want to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Ghanaian culture.

In conclusion, the change in December vibrancy in Ghana can be attributed to the strategic initiatives introduced under the NPP, particularly the ‘Year of Return.’ This change has not only boosted Ghana’s profile as a party destination, but has also created a new sense of pride among Ghanaians at home and abroad as they celebrate their heritage in a month that has become a symbol of joy and unity.

Two!

PS: There is no politics here. Only facts. However, opposing thoughts and opinions are welcome.

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