A scene during the launch of ‘Black Star Christmas’
The National Commission on Culture’s (NCC) unveiling of ‘Black Star Christmas’ has triggered a wave of backlash online, with many Ghanaians questioning its branding, relevance and fit for ‘Detty December’.
The NCC announced the event as a free two-day family celebration slated for December 23 and 24, 2026, at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra.
According to organisers, it will feature a kids’ zone with traditional games like tug-of-war and ampe, plus pavilions from all 16 regions showcasing food, crafts, music and performances described as “Christmas the Ghanaian way.”
Days after the launch, the Commission has released a statement indicating that the event will not replace ‘Detty December’, emphasising that ‘Black Star Christmas’ is a deliberate platform to project Ghana’s culture and heritage during the festive season.
“Detty December was not created in an office. It was created by the Ghanaian people – by our event organisers and the Creative Arts Industry, our DJs, event promoters, our diaspora family who return home every December, and by the collective creative spirit of Ghana.
“It is authentic, it is powerful, and it is ours. This is the first time the Commission is intentionally creating a cultural Christmas Festival specifically for families and children,” the statement read.
The Commission further indicated that the ‘Black Star Christmas’ aims to provide an official cultural event that gives a unique Ghanaian touch to the Christmas celebration.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke