The 2025 edition, officially launched at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 13, 2025, under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama, promises to reaffirm Ghana’s position as the continent’s preferred holiday destination and the gateway to authentic African heritage and Pan-African unity.

Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Beyond the Return Secretariat, the month-long celebration will feature over 100 events spread across all 16 regions, showcasing the best of Ghanaian culture and hospitality.

Driving unity through creativity

At the launch, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, urged Ghanaian creatives to take centre stage in positioning the country as Africa’s creative capital.

“It is time we stop thinking small. Let us move beyond seasonal success and build a sustainable creative economy. Our art, music, fashion and film are not just entertainment; they are tools of national branding, job creation and international diplomacy,” she said.

She emphasised that the growing global attention Ghana enjoys every December should translate into long-term opportunities for the creative and tourism sectors.

“Every December, the world comes to Ghana to experience our warmth, creativity and authenticity. The question is: how do we sustain this energy beyond December? It begins with the creatives—our storytellers, musicians, filmmakers and designers. They are the ones shaping the narrative of who Ghana is,” she stressed.

Ghana as Africa’s holiday hub

The Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, assured that this year’s festival will be more inclusive, with activities stretching beyond Accra to cover all regions. Working closely with the private sector, GTA has curated a calendar blending entertainment, tourism, investment and cultural impact.

“This year’s theme is about making Ghana Africa’s preferred holiday destination by promoting our unique experiences, people and diversity. We want both locals and the diaspora to see Ghana, not just as a place to visit, but as a home to invest, create and belong,” she explained.

According to her, December in GH 2025 is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the globe, boosting the creative economy, generating tourism revenue and cementing Ghana’s global cultural identity.

A Festival across Regions

The celebration’s calendar is packed with signature events across various regions. In the Greater Accra Region, notable events include Afrofuture Festival, Rhythms on Da Runway: The Black Star Edition, Detty Rave 2025, Bhim Festival, AfroBeach Festival and Entertainment Week Ghana. These events are expected to attract international acts, global media and diasporan audiences.

Others are Celebrating 100 Years of Highlife Music, a historic event honouring a century of Ghana’s most iconic music genre, Jazz and Symphonic Orchestra Concert, Christmas with Joe Mettle, Tema Masqueraders Cultural Carnival and The Talking Drum Festival, which celebrates African storytelling through rhythm.

In the Northern Region, Snikia Daadali will spotlight northern fashion and creativity, while the Western Region will light up with MasqFiesta 2025 and Westside Carnival, known for the colourful display of masquerade artistry.

 Fashion, culture and culinary delights

Fashion will take centre stage with AfroHeels, Ghana Fashion Fusion Festival and Walk Boldly: A Heritage and Handmade Experience by Arhin Sole Creations—platforms that highlight Ghana’s craftsmanship, textiles and contemporary African design.

Food lovers are in for a treat with festivals such as the Ghana Food Festival 2025, Gastro Feastival, Plant-Based Vegan Market, Fusion Food Fest: From Africa to the Caribbean, and Asankamu Festival in Cape Coast. Accra Mall will also host the Around the World Food and Drinks Festival.

These events aim to celebrate Ghana’s diverse cuisine, promote sustainable culinary practices and position Ghanaian food as a global attraction.

Business, Networking and Impact

Beyond entertainment, December in GH will also drive business and social impact. Key events include the Diaspora Business Networking Mixer, National Diaspora Summit 2025, SheBossFest, Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo, and Diaspora Conversations. These will foster collaborations across tourism, real estate and the creative economy.

Community service and sustainability are also on the agenda, with initiatives such as the Mayekoo Foundation Beach Clean-Up, Ascend Bloom Girl Health Foundation Walk at Aburi and Clean Ghana Beach Festival at Nungua.

Strengthening Ghana’s global identity

To sustain its growing international reputation, GTA has pledged improved infrastructure, stronger security and enhanced hospitality standards across tourist destinations.

The 2025 festivities align with President Mahama’s vision of positioning tourism, arts and culture as key pillars of Ghana’s economic growth and social transformation.

“This year’s edition carries a renewed purpose to strengthen the Black Star Experience—our national drive to make Ghana the gateway to authentic African heritage, culture and creativity.

“We are not just hosting events; we are defining our identity, asserting our pride and telling the world that Ghana is the home of Pan-African excellence,” Madam Gomashie added.