Ghanaian playwright and entertainment pundit George Quaye has shared his thoughts on the debate over who deserves credit for the December in Ghana initiative, which now coincides with the Year of Return initiative.

It could be recalled that in an interview with TV3 in September 2024, entertainment entrepreneur and politician Baba Sadiq asserted that the Year of Return which was set up by the New Patriotic Party government in 2019 owes its success to the December in Ghana which was initiated by the private sector.

This sentiment was echoed by Ghanaian fashion icon and entrepreneur Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) who, in a Facebook post on September 15, claimed that “December in Ghana was a Live FM initiative in 2013.”

However, in a detailed post on Facebook in reply to KOD, George Quaye acknowledged that while there were activities in Ghana around December before 2019, many events and popular clubs eventually faded away, leading to a relatively calm holiday season.

“But the same history would also laugh at us if we failed to admit that most, if not all these events died including my favourite Ghana Rocks Concert managed by Charterhouse!

“With the 'demise' of these events and the shutting down of many popular clubs back in the day; Aphro, Boom, etc, December in Ghana somewhat became a month often characterised by a relative calmness, lacking the vibrant energy and festive atmosphere that has since become synonymous with the month,” he shared.

However, according to him, the introduction of the "Year of Return" initiative in 2019 by the NPP government marked a turning point.

“The turning point came with the introduction of the 'Year of Return' initiative in 2019, which marked the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the Americas.

“Under the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a series of deliberate and strategic activities were launched to amplify December in Ghana as a party destination,” he added.

Quaye stated that the activities launched as part of the Year of Return led to the transformation of December in Ghana, turning it into a highlight on the global party calendar.

“As a result, December in Ghana has evolved into a thriving destination for those seeking to celebrate the holiday season in a lively and culturally rich environment.

“Deny it all you want for cheap political gain, but like it or not, the transformation has been remarkable; what was once a relatively subdued month has become a highlight on the global party calendar, attracting thousands eager to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Ghanaian culture,” he added.

He noted that the strategic initiatives launched under the NPP, particularly the "Year of Return," have elevated Ghana's profile as a party destination and fostered a renewed sense of pride among Ghanaians.

“In conclusion, the shift in December’s vibrancy in Ghana can be traced back to the strategic initiatives launched under the NPP, particularly the 'Year of Return',” he concluded.

ID/ ADG

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