Richmond Adu-Poku: Too many shows, too little December

It is October 2026, and somewhere in Accra, an event organiseris probably staring at a calendar, rubbing their hands together and thinking, “December will be massive! ” Somewhere else, an artiste is planning a concert, another is booking a venue, and a third is announcing a festival. Meanwhile, the fan is checking their bank balance and wondering whether enjoying Christmas requires a second job. Welcome to Detty December, Ghana’s annual celebration of music, culture, tourism and entertainment, where the fun is unlimited, the invitations are endless, and the money in your pocket has a very different opinion. From concerts and music festivals to raves, beach parties, comedy shows, religious gatherings, award ceremonies and celebrity-hosted parties, December has become the entertainment industry’s favourite playground.

Accra, in particular, transforms into a giant stage, attracting returning diaspora visitors, tourists and locals eager to end the year on a high note. It is exciting, no doubt. But beneath the glitter, fireworks and Instagram stories lies an uncomfortable question: Are we giving fans more entertainment, or simply giving them more decisions to regret? Too limited time and money The problem with Detty December is no longer a shortage of events, but the shortage of time, money and energy to enjoy them. With artistes scheduling concerts on the same dates, fans are forced to choose between their favourites, while Accra traffic makes attending multiple shows a near-impossible mission. Unfortunately, Ghana has no universal holiday or vacation calendar that gives everyone a month off to enjoy the festivities. Most people work hard throughout the year, only to find their December savings competing with concert tickets, transport, food, outfits and family obligations.…