Ghanaian singer Efya has officially married Nigerian singer and songwriter Tomi Thomas in a traditional wedding ceremony held in Accra on Friday, November 6, 2026.

The colourful ceremony brought together several prominent figures from Ghana’s entertainment industry and beyond, including the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie; musician Sister Derby; actress Fella Makafui; socialite Hajia4Reall; and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority, Kafui Danku.

The celebration highlighted the cultural ties between Ghana and Nigeria, as the couple and their guests embraced traditional attire, with colourful kente fabrics and elegant gold-themed outfits dominating the occasion.

Efya looked stunning in her traditional kente ensemble as family members, friends and guests gathered to celebrate the union. Videos shared on social media captured joyful moments from the ceremony, with guests celebrating and offering their best wishes to the newlyweds.

The traditional wedding comes months after the families of the couple held a knocking ceremony on February 14, 2026.

Tomi Thomas first rose to prominence as a member of the Nigerian music group Loud On Sound (LOS) before embarking on a solo career. Over the years, he has worked with several international artistes, including Jamaican dancehall star Buju Banton and American rapper Wale.

Following Friday’s traditional marriage ceremony, the couple are expected to celebrate their union with a white wedding on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Ghanaian-Nigerian musician Mr Eazi has disclosed that the highest amount of money he has earned from an entertainment engagement came from working as a Master of Ceremonies (MC), rather than performing his own songs.

In an interview with 3Music, the Leg Over hitmaker revealed that he received his biggest payment as an artiste while hosting an event in the South of France.

According to him, his experience as an MC has opened up lucrative opportunities, with earnings from hosting events sometimes exceeding what he makes from performing on stage as a musician.

Mr Eazi also recounted hosting a major event in Sweden, where he entertained an audience estimated at between 7,000 and 10,000 people without performing any of his songs.

He explained that his responsibility at the event was solely to engage the audience and keep them entertained throughout the programme.

“The most money I’ve ever been paid as an artiste, I didn’t get paid as Mr Eazi. I got paid as the MC in the South of France. You should see the shows,” he said.

The musician’s revelation highlights another side of his entertainment career, demonstrating how opportunities beyond music performances can also become financially rewarding for artistes.

Speaking about his album The Evil Genius, Mr Eazi explained that the project was a reflection of his personal thoughts and state of mind during the period he created it.

He described the album as a personal artistic expression, noting that the songs were influenced by what was happening in his mind at the time.

Ghana’s music industry is enjoying another exciting period, with established musicians, emerging talents and female artistes competing for attention. From Afrobeats and dancehall to highlife, gospel and hip-hop, different sounds are finding their way into the playlists of music lovers.

Artistes such as Kweku Smoke, Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Gyakie, Wendy Shay, Sista Afia, MzVee and Lasmid are among the names represented in the latest Ghana music charts.

The list below follows the Audiomack Ghana chart for the week of October 26, 2026. It includes songs from Ghanaian musicians as well as international artistes attracting listeners in the country. The numbering follows the chart positions, not a personal ranking.

1. Faith — Kweku Smoke ft. Lasmid

Kweku Smoke and Lasmid take the leading position with Faith. The collaboration brings together Kweku Smoke’s rap delivery and Lasmid’s melodic style, making it one of the standout records on the chart.

2. Bra — Kweku Smoke

Kweku Smoke follows with Bra, another song from his catalogue attracting considerable attention. Its strong chart position adds to the rapper’s impressive presence on the platform.

3. Bombele — Kweku Smoke

Bombele is another Kweku Smoke release enjoying attention among Ghanaian listeners. The song further demonstrates the rapper’s strong performance on the chart.

4. Gen Z — Fameye

Fameye makes an appearance with Gen Z. Known for his emotional delivery and relatable storytelling, the singer continues to connect with listeners through his music.

5. BALOTELLI — Kofi Mole

Kofi Mole earns a place among the leading songs with BALOTELLI. The rapper’s distinctive style and energetic delivery continue to attract fans of Ghanaian hip-hop.

6. Liquor Store — N.E Records ft. Lasmid

Lasmid is featured on Liquor Store, a song appearing among the chart’s leading records. His presence on several collaborations continues to make him a familiar name on Ghanaian music platforms.

7. Bendova — Wendy Shay ft. Lasmid

Wendy Shay teams up with Lasmid on Bendova. The song brings together the female singer’s energetic style and Lasmid’s melodic contribution, giving listeners a lively collaboration.

8. Jolie — Black Sherif

Black Sherif continues his strong run with Jolie. The song adds to his growing collection of records that connect with listeners through his distinctive sound and expressive delivery.

9. We Go — Kuami Eugene

Kuami Eugene is represented with We Go. The singer’s familiar melodic style gives the song a place among the records attracting attention on the Ghanaian chart.

10. DON’T COME TOO CLOSE II — Okese1, DarkoVibes, Sista Afia and Joey B

This collaboration brings together four artistes from different musical backgrounds. Sista Afia adds a female voice to the record, while Okese1, DarkoVibes and Joey B contribute their individual styles.

11. Deja Vu — Sarkodie ft. KiDi

Sarkodie joins forces with KiDi on Deja Vu. The collaboration combines rap and melodic vocals, bringing together two well-known names in Ghanaian music.

12. Iskoki — Cojo Rae

Cojo Rae makes the chart with Iskoki. The song gives the emerging artiste an opportunity to reach a wider audience among Ghanaian music listeners.

13. Signature — KiDi ft. Lasmid

KiDi and Lasmid combine their musical strengths on Signature. The collaboration brings together two singers recognised for their melodic delivery and contemporary Ghanaian sound.

14. Your Body (Craze) — Gyakie

Gyakie earns a place on the chart with Your Body (Craze). The singer continues to maintain her presence in Ghana’s music scene through her smooth vocals and contemporary Afrobeats sound.

15. Biggest Nathaniel — N.E Records ft. Lasmid

Lasmid features on Biggest Nathaniel, another record appearing on the Ghanaian chart. The collaboration adds to the singer’s growing list of songs receiving attention.

16. One More Year — Shatta Wale

Shatta Wale makes his presence felt with One More Year. The dancehall musician continues to attract listeners with his consistent releases and strong connection with the Shatta Movement fan base.

17. Ewo — Lalid

Lalid appears on the chart with Ewo. The song adds another emerging name to the variety of music attracting listeners in Ghana.

18. Steeze — Mr Drew ft. Medikal

Mr Drew teams up with Medikal on Steeze. The collaboration combines Mr Drew’s singing style with Medikal’s rap delivery.

19. Sika — Medikal ft. Shatta Wale

Medikal and Shatta Wale join forces on Sika. The song brings together two artistes with strong followings in Ghana’s entertainment industry.

20. Expresso — Black Sherif

Black Sherif adds another entry with Expresso. His presence on the chart reflects the continued interest in his music among Ghanaian listeners.

21. Darkest Style — D Global ft. Lasmid

D Global collaborates with Lasmid on Darkest Style. The song combines their contributions and adds another collaboration to the list of charting records.

22. Baba — Hotkeed ft. Zlatan

Nigerian artistes Hotkeed and Zlatan are represented with Baba. Their collaboration reflects the popularity of Nigerian sounds among Ghanaian music fans.

23. Ahosepe — Dikoo

Dikoo appears with Ahosepe, securing a place on the chart. The song adds to the growing collection of Ghanaian releases attracting attention.

24. SLICK — Victony, Don Toliver and Summer Walker

Victony joins Don Toliver and Summer Walker on the remix of SLICK. The international collaboration brings together artistes from different musical markets.

25. Wish I Had a Girlfriend — Reggie, Lasmid and Beeztrap KOTM

Reggie, Lasmid and Beeztrap KOTM collaborate on Wish I Had a Girlfriend. The song brings together different voices from Ghana’s contemporary music scene.

26. God Of The Universe — Shatta Wale

Shatta Wale adds another entry with God Of The Universe. The song reflects the musician’s ability to explore different themes beyond his familiar dancehall sound.

27. Y3 Guy — Ypee ft. Olivetheboy

Ypee teams up with Olivetheboy on Y3 Guy. The collaboration brings together rap and melodic vocals, giving fans another Ghanaian record to enjoy.

28. Body Pains — Shatta Wale

Body Pains is another Shatta Wale song appearing on the chart. The musician continues to keep his name in the conversation through a steady flow of releases.

29. Stranger — Kuami Eugene ft. Gyakie

Kuami Eugene and Gyakie come together on Stranger. The collaboration gives listeners a meeting of two distinctive Ghanaian vocal styles.

30. TREASURE (Acoustic Version) — Gyakie

Gyakie also appears with the acoustic version of TREASURE. The stripped-back arrangement offers listeners another way to experience the singer’s vocals.

31. Run Around — Black Sherif

Black Sherif’s Run Around is another song attracting attention. The track adds to his strong representation on the chart.

32. AKATAPIANO — Yaw Tog

Yaw Tog brings his sound to the chart with AKATAPIANO. The song reflects the continued experimentation among Ghanaian artistes with different contemporary music styles.

33. EVERLASTING — Sarkodie ft. Shatta Wale

Sarkodie and Shatta Wale reunite on EVERLASTING. The collaboration brings together two major names in Ghanaian music and has attracted attention from fans of both artistes.

34. Sorry I’m Different — Miracle LRE

Miracle LRE features with Sorry I’m Different. The song gives the artiste a place among the records appearing on the Ghanaian chart.

35. PAIN III — O’Kenneth ft. Saint Edrah

O’Kenneth collaborates with Saint Edrah on PAIN III. The record reflects the continued influence of Ghana’s Asakaa and drill music movement.

36. SLICK — Victony

Victony also appears with the original version of SLICK. The Nigerian singer continues to attract listeners in Ghana with his contemporary Afrobeats sound.

37. E No Easy — Sarkodie ft. DopeNation

Sarkodie joins DopeNation on E No Easy. The collaboration brings together rap and an energetic musical approach from the duo.

38. Olivia — Lasmid

Lasmid continues his chart presence with Olivia. The singer’s catchy melodies and distinctive vocal delivery remain important features of his music.

39. Me Sisi — DopeNation

DopeNation appears with Me Sisi, another song attracting attention among Ghanaian listeners. The duo continues to explore danceable sounds and catchy hooks.

40. PURPLE — NYAME GLOBALBOY COLLIN

NYAME GLOBALBOY COLLIN makes an appearance with PURPLE. The song adds another emerging act to the collection of music gaining attention on the platform.

41. Boss It — Sista Afia

Sista Afia represents Ghanaian female musicians with Boss It. The singer continues to maintain her place in the industry through her energetic music and confident delivery.

42. W’ate M’anim (You Have Honoured Me) — Diana Hamilton

Gospel musician Diana Hamilton appears with W’ate M’anim. The song demonstrates that inspirational and worship music also has a strong audience among Ghanaian listeners.

43. I Don’t Need You — Fancy Gadam ft. Rudeboy

Fancy Gadam teams up with Rudeboy on I Don’t Need YoU. The collaboration brings together Ghanaian and Nigerian musical influences.

44. Gratitude — Asake

Nigerian singer Asake appears with Gratitude. His distinctive sound continues to attract listeners across West Africa, including Ghana.

45. FACE — Jay Bahd

Jay Bahd brings his Asakaa-inspired sound to the chart with FACE. The rapper remains one of the names contributing to the growth of Ghanaian drill music.

46. FAMAME — AratheJay

AratheJay earns a place with FAMAME. The artiste continues to build recognition through his contemporary sound and growing catalogue.

47. Habit — Fameye ft. Medikal

Fameye and Medikal join forces on Habit. The collaboration combines Fameye’s melodic approach with Medikal’s rap style.

48. Sober — KIICIA

KIICIA appears with Sober, adding another name to the growing list of artistes attracting attention on Ghanaian music platforms.

49. TREASURE — Gyakie

Gyakie appears again with the original version of TREASURE. The song’s presence alongside its acoustic version shows the continued interest in her music.

50. IDK — KiDi ft. Sarkodie

KiDi and Sarkodie collaborate on IDK. The song brings together KiDi’s singing and Sarkodie’s rap delivery.

51. Angelina — Flowking Stone ft. Kweku Darlington

Flowking Stone teams up with Kweku Darlington on Angelina. The collaboration brings together two Ghanaian artistes with different musical backgrounds.

52. Kakalika — DopeNation

DopeNation continues to attract listeners with Kakalika. The duo’s energetic approach and catchy musical style have helped them maintain a presence in Ghana’s music scene.

53. MENTUMI NKA — O’Kenneth

O’Kenneth adds another entry with MENTUMI NKA. The rapper continues to represent Ghana’s drill movement through his releases.

54. Life Of The Party — AlorG

AlorG appears on the chart with Life Of The Party. The song adds another emerging artiste to the collection of music receiving attention.

55. Tina — Samanie ft. Trei

Samanie and Trei collaborate on Tina. The song gives listeners another record from Ghana’s growing pool of contemporary artistes.

56. Trapper Sem — Kofi Mole ft. Kuami Eugene

Kofi Mole and Kuami Eugene join forces on Trapper Sem. The collaboration combines rap and melodic vocals, bringing together two established Ghanaian musicians.

57. For Nothing — Kofi Kinaata

Kofi Kinaata appears with For Nothing. The singer and rapper remains known for his storytelling, lyrical expression and ability to connect with listeners through relatable music.

58. TSOOBI (AKONOBA) — Lasmid, Kwaku DMC, Jay Bahd, Skyface SDW and Beeztrap KOTM

This collaboration brings together several artistes from Ghana’s contemporary music scene. The song features a blend of different styles and gives fans a meeting of multiple musical personalities.

59. Ewor Me — King Paluta ft. Kwabena Kwabena

King Paluta teams up with highlife legend Kwabena Kwabena on Ewor Me. The collaboration brings together two generations of Ghanaian music and combines rap with highlife influences.

60. Have Mercy 2 — Kofi Kinaata ft. Sarkodie

Kofi Kinaata and Sarkodie collaborate on Have Mercy 2. The song brings together two respected lyricists whose music has earned them dedicated audiences.

61. Creeping Geckos — BHADMAYORS

BHADMAYORS appear with Creeping Geckos. The song adds another name to the range of music attracting attention on the platform.

62. Black Stars — Kofi Kinaata

Kofi Kinaata brings another record to the chart with Black Stars. The title also connects with Ghana’s national identity, while the artiste continues to maintain his place in the music industry.

63. Gymnastic — KiDi, KOJO BLAK and Olivetheboy

KiDi, KOJO BLAK and Olivetheboy come together on Gymnastic. The collaboration brings together three artistes known for their contemporary musical styles.

64. Stopit — Olivetheboy ft. Medikal

Olivetheboy teams up with Medikal on Stopit. The song combines the singer’s melodic delivery with the rapper’s contribution.

65. I DON’T CARE — Various Artistes

I DON’T CARE appears on the chart under Various Artistes. The record adds another collaborative entry to the list.

66. Won’t Be Here Forever — Reggie, Kojo Trilla and O’Kenneth

Reggie, Kojo Trilla and O’Kenneth collaborate on Won’t Be Here Forever. The song brings together artistes associated with Ghana’s contemporary rap and drill scene.

67. Their Back — Medikal

Medikal appears with Their Back. The rapper continues to maintain his presence through releases that keep him connected to fans of Ghanaian hip-hop.

68. Crazy Love — Wendy Shay ft. Olivetheboy

Wendy Shay collaborates with Olivetheboy on Crazy Love. The song adds to the female singer’s catalogue of collaborations and gives listeners a combination of their different vocal styles.

69. Bad Boy — King Balance, GG Maestro, Bbig Nova and Droplord SAS

The artistes join forces on Bad Boy. The collaboration adds another group effort to the range of songs appearing on the Ghanaian chart.

70. Forgiveness — Asake

Asake continues his presence with Forgiveness. The Nigerian singer’s music remains popular among Ghanaian listeners, adding an international flavour to the chart.

71. Long Distance — Abochi ft. Medikal

Abochi and Medikal collaborate on Long Distance. The song combines the contributions of a singer and a rapper, adding another Ghanaian collaboration to the list.

72. Nagode — Wiz Child ft. Fancy Gadam

Wiz Child joins Fancy Gadam on Nagode. The collaboration highlights the contribution of Northern Ghanaian artistes to the country’s wider music scene.

73. OTOTROBONSU — O’Kenneth

O’Kenneth adds another song with “OTOTROBONSU”. His continued chart presence reflects the audience for Ghanaian drill and hip-hop.

74. Aso II — Kwabena Kwabena ft. Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata

Stonebwoy joins Kwabena Kwabena and Kofi Kinaata on Aso II. The collaboration brings together highlife, dancehall and rap influences, making it one of the notable cross-genre records on the chart.

75. Many Times — Stonebwoy

Stonebwoy appears with Many Times, representing Ghana’s dancehall scene on the chart. The artiste continues to maintain a strong connection with fans through his music and collaborations.

76. U X Me — SevenKizs ft. Oseikrom Sikanii

SevenKizs and Oseikrom Sikanii join forces on U X Me. The collaboration brings another pair of Ghanaian artistes into the current music conversation.

77. Dear Lord (Remix) — Curtis Og, Boy Aria, SovT Music, Zeezy and Cojo Rae

The remix brings together several artistes, creating a collaborative record that features different musical contributions.

78. Hustler — Itz Tiffany ft. Lalid

Itz Tiffany teams up with Lalid on Hustler. The female artiste’s appearance adds to the representation of Ghanaian women in the current music chart.

79. Ikebe — Blaqbonez ft. Asake

Nigerian rappers Blaqbonez and Asake collaborate on Ikebe. The song reflects the continued influence of Nigerian music on Ghana’s listening culture.

80. Run For You — Jhanbereh ft. Fancy Gadam

Jhanbereh and Fancy Gadam appear together on Run For You. The collaboration adds another record featuring a Northern Ghanaian artiste to the chart.

81. Enjoyment — MzVee ft. Sista Afia, Ugoccie and Sefa

MzVee brings together Sista Afia, Ugoccie and Sefa on Enjoyment. The all-female collaboration celebrates the contribution of Ghanaian women to the music industry and brings together four different voices on one record.

https://soundcharts.com/en/

December in Ghana is more than just the final month of the year. It is a season of excitement, reunion, entertainment, cultural expression and unforgettable celebrations. From the arrival of Ghanaians living abroad to the Christmas festivities, family gatherings, beach parties, concerts and crossover church services, the country gradually transforms into one big celebration ground.

Popularly known as Detty December, the festive season has grown into one of Africa’s most recognised cultural and entertainment experiences, attracting tourists, celebrities, music lovers and members of the African diaspora from different parts of the world.

For many Ghanaians, December is the time to reconnect with family and friends, travel to their hometowns, attend social events, enjoy traditional meals and take a break from the demands of everyday life.

However, the excitement does not end with Christmas. The celebrations continue through Boxing Day, the final days of December, New Year’s Eve and January 1, when people welcome another year with renewed hope, prayers and expectations.

The growing popularity of Detty December is closely connected to Ghana’s 2019 Year of Return initiative, launched by the government to encourage people of African descent, particularly those in the diaspora, to reconnect with their ancestral roots.

The initiative marked 400 years since the first recorded arrival of enslaved Africans in English North America in 1619. It encouraged members of the diaspora to visit Ghana, explore its historical sites, learn about its heritage and establish stronger connections with the country.

The campaign attracted international attention and brought thousands of visitors to Ghana, many of whom participated in concerts, cultural festivals, tourism activities and community events.

Although December celebrations existed in Ghana long before 2019, the Year of Return gave the season a stronger international identity.

The momentum continued in 2020 with the Beyond the Return initiative, which sought to build lasting relationships between Ghana and the diaspora beyond the initial homecoming campaign.

Today, Detty December has become a major feature of Ghana’s tourism and entertainment calendar.

The word Detty is a playful variation of dirty, representing the carefree atmosphere, energetic parties and freedom to enjoy the festive season.

Accra is usually at the centre of the celebrations, but other destinations, including Kumasi, Cape Coast, Elmina and parts of the Volta Region, also attract visitors looking for entertainment, history, culture and relaxation.

The Occasions That Make December Special in Ghana

December is filled with different celebrations, each bringing its own traditions, activities and meaning, beginning with Christmas preparations and the much-anticipated homecoming of Ghanaians living abroad.

As December approaches, the atmosphere in Ghana begins to change.

Shopping centres, markets, supermarkets and commercial streets become busier as families prepare for Christmas. People purchase new clothes, shoes, food items, decorations and gifts for their loved ones.

For many households, Christmas preparations begin weeks before December 25.

One of the most noticeable features of the season is the return of Ghanaians living abroad. Many travel home from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany and other countries to spend the holidays with relatives and friends.

Their arrival often brings excitement to families who may not have seen one another for months or even years.

It is also a period when hometowns become lively as people travel from Accra and other major cities to reunite with relatives.

Christmas Eve – December 24

Christmas Eve is one of the most anticipated nights of the festive season.

On December 24, many Christian families attend evening church services, carol concerts and special worship programmes in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Churches are often decorated with Christmas trees, lights, stars and other festive ornaments.

For some families, Christmas Eve is also a time to prepare meals, wrap presents and make final arrangements for the following day’s celebrations.

In some communities, children and young people participate in carol singing, while others visit friends and relatives.

The night carries a special feeling of expectation as families prepare to celebrate Christmas Day.

Christmas Day – December 25

Christmas Day is one of the most important celebrations in Ghana, particularly for Christians.

Observed on December 25, the day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is marked by church services, family gatherings, gift-giving and special meals.

Many people begin the day by attending church, where congregations sing Christmas hymns, listen to sermons and celebrate the religious significance of the occasion.

After church, families gather at home to enjoy meals prepared specially for the holiday.

Popular Ghanaian Christmas dishes include jollof rice, fried rice, chicken, goat meat, fufu with soup, banku and assorted local delicacies.

For children, Christmas is particularly exciting because of the expectation of new clothes, toys, shoes and other presents.

In some communities, children also move from house to house, greeting neighbours and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Beyond the food and gifts, Christmas remains an important opportunity for families to reconnect, settle misunderstandings and show love to one another.

Boxing Day – December 26

The celebrations continue on December 26 with Boxing Day, another public holiday in Ghana.

Traditionally, Boxing Day is associated with giving gifts, particularly to people who provide services and those in need.

Historically, the occasion is linked to the practice of giving Christmas boxes containing gifts, money or food to servants, workers and less privileged people.

In modern Ghana, however, Boxing Day has become another opportunity for relaxation and entertainment.

Many families visit beaches, recreational centres, parks and tourist attractions. Others organise picnics, attend parties or continue visiting relatives.

Popular beaches in Accra and other coastal communities often attract large crowds as people enjoy music, food, games and outdoor activities.

For those who prefer a quieter celebration, Boxing Day is also a time to rest after the excitement of Christmas Day.

 The Detty December Concerts, Festivals and Beach Parties

As Christmas approaches and passes, Ghana’s entertainment industry enters one of its busiest periods.

Concerts, music festivals, comedy shows, fashion exhibitions, art displays and nightlife events take over major entertainment venues.

Accra becomes particularly active, with local and international musicians performing for audiences made up of Ghanaians and visitors from abroad.

The season also provides opportunities for Ghanaian musicians to connect with international audiences and showcase the country’s music.

Events such as AfroFuture, formerly known as Afrochella, have helped promote Ghanaian and wider African music, fashion, food and culture to international visitors.

Beach parties, pool parties and outdoor concerts also become popular, particularly among young people.

Beyond entertainment, the season provides business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, event organisers, vendors, tour guides and other tourism-related businesses.

For many businesses, December is one of the most commercially active periods of the year.

Traditional Masquerade Festivals and Community Celebrations

While modern music concerts attract considerable attention, traditional celebrations remain an important part of Ghana’s festive identity.

One notable example is the masquerade tradition, particularly the Fancy Dress Festival in Winneba in the Central Region.

The festival features groups dressed in colourful costumes, masks and creative outfits, accompanied by music, dancing and energetic street performances.

Different groups compete through their performances, costumes and creativity, attracting residents and visitors.

The celebration reflects a cultural tradition that has developed over generations and combines local creativity with historical influences.

Other communities also organise traditional gatherings, durbars and cultural activities during the festive season, allowing visitors to experience Ghana beyond its nightlife.

 December 31 – Watchnight Services and Crossover Celebrations

One of the most significant nights in Ghana’s December calendar is December 31, popularly known as the crossover night.

For many Christians, the night is dedicated to prayer, thanksgiving, worship and reflection as they prepare to enter a new year.

Churches across the country organise special watchnight services, bringing congregations together to thank God for protection, blessings and the experiences of the outgoing year.

Some churches hold extended prayer sessions, praise and worship, testimonies and messages about the year ahead.

As midnight approaches, congregations count down the final seconds of the year before welcoming January 1 with prayers, singing, dancing and celebrations.

For others, December 31 is an opportunity to attend parties, concerts, family gatherings and fireworks displays.

In Accra and other major cities, entertainment venues organise special crossover events that attract large audiences.

The night represents a transition between two years and gives many people an opportunity to reflect on their achievements, disappointments, lessons and expectations.

New Year’s Day – January 1

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1 and marks the beginning of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar.

In Ghana, the day is generally associated with joy, reflection, thanksgiving and fresh beginnings.

After the excitement of the crossover celebrations, many people attend church services to commit the new year to God’s hands.

Others spend the day with family and friends, visit relatives, attend social gatherings or simply rest after the busy festive season.

For many Ghanaians, January 1 also represents an opportunity to establish new goals, make important decisions and leave behind habits or experiences they do not wish to carry into the new year.

It is a time when people exchange messages of goodwill, wishing one another prosperity, good health, peace and success.

Although the celebration takes place worldwide, the way people welcome the new year differs according to their cultures, beliefs and traditions.

The History Behind January 1 as New Year’s Day

Although January 1 is now widely recognised as the beginning of the year, this was not always the case.

The ancient Roman calendar originally began the year in March. However, in 153 BC, Roman officials began their consular year on January 1, bringing the date closer to the beginning of the calendar year.

The month of January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god associated with beginnings, transitions, doorways and endings.

Janus is traditionally represented with two faces: one looking backwards and the other looking forward.

This image has become a powerful symbol of the New Year because it represents the opportunity to reflect on the past while looking towards the future.

Over the centuries, different parts of Europe observed different dates as the beginning of the year, with some Christian communities using dates associated with important religious celebrations.

The adoption of January 1 was gradually reinforced through calendar reforms.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, which corrected inaccuracies in the earlier Julian calendar.

Great Britain and its colonies officially adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, establishing January 1 as the beginning of the legal year.

Today, the Gregorian calendar is the most widely used civil calendar around the world.

 January 2 – An Additional Day of Celebration in Ghana

For many Ghanaians, the New Year celebrations do not necessarily end on January 1.

January 2 is also recognised as an additional public holiday in Ghana when it falls under the statutory holiday arrangement for New Year’s Day.

When January 1 falls on a weekend, the following working day may be observed as the holiday in accordance with Ghana’s public holiday arrangements.

This gives people another opportunity to rest, visit family members, enjoy recreational activities and prepare to return to their normal routines.

For those who have travelled to their hometowns, the additional day can also provide time to make their journey back to work and school preparations.

It offers a gradual transition from the excitement of the festive season into the responsibilities of a new year.

The Tradition of New Year’s Resolutions

Another important feature of New Year’s Day is the tradition of making resolutions.

Although many people associate the practice with modern self-improvement culture, its history stretches back thousands of years.

The ancient Babylonians are often credited with one of the earliest recorded New Year resolution traditions, making promises during their New Year celebrations to repay debts and return borrowed items.

Their celebrations were associated with the beginning of the agricultural year and the festival of Akitu.

Today, the tradition has evolved into a personal commitment to improve different aspects of life.

Common New Year’s resolutions include saving more money, exercising regularly, eating healthier, improving relationships, pursuing education, starting businesses and developing new skills.

In Ghana, some people also use the beginning of the year to set financial targets, plan major purchases, establish career goals and make decisions about their families.

However, while resolutions are easy to make, maintaining them requires discipline, consistency and realistic planning.

How December and New Year Celebrations Benefit Ghana’s Economy

Beyond the entertainment and cultural significance, the festive season has become an important economic opportunity for Ghana.

The arrival of international visitors increases demand for accommodation, transportation, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and tourism services.

Hotels, guesthouses, short-stay apartments and restaurants often experience increased patronage during the period.

Local fashion designers, tailors, photographers, makeup artists, event planners, musicians, DJs, food vendors and small businesses also benefit from the increased spending.

The season provides a platform for Ghanaian creative professionals to showcase their work to international audiences.

It also encourages visitors to explore historical and cultural destinations, including Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Kakum National Park and other attractions.

The growing popularity of Detty December has therefore helped position Ghana as an important destination for cultural tourism and entertainment.

However, the increasing number of visitors also creates challenges, including traffic congestion, rising accommodation prices, pressure on public infrastructure, waste management concerns and the need for improved safety and event organisation.

Managing these challenges will be important if Ghana wants to sustain the growth of the festive season.

From Christmas to the New Year: A Season of Togetherness, Reflection and New Beginnings

What makes December and the beginning of January special in Ghana is not simply the number of events taking place but the different experiences that bring people together.

For some, it is about returning home after spending years abroad. For others, it is about attending concerts, visiting beaches, exploring cultural attractions or enjoying traditional meals with loved ones.

For Christians, the period carries deep religious significance, beginning with the celebration of Christ’s birth and continuing through thanksgiving and prayers for the new year.

For businesses and creative professionals, it is an opportunity to work, earn income and reach new audiences.

And for families, it remains one of the most important periods to reconnect and create memories.

From the first Christmas decorations and December homecomings to Christmas Day, Boxing Day, crossover services and New Year’s celebrations, Ghana has developed a festive culture that stretches beyond a single holiday.

Ultimately, December and New Year represent more than the closing of one calendar year and the beginning of another. They offer an opportunity to celebrate Ghanaian identity, appreciate the people around us, reflect on the past and look forward to the possibilities of the future.

 

Ghanaian actor Majid Michel has revealed that despite his popularity and more than 26 years in the entertainment industry, he has never experienced women making sexual advances towards him.

Speaking in an interview with George Quaye on Joy Prime on November 4, 2026, the actor disclosed that female fans who approach him usually express admiration and respect rather than showing romantic or sexual interest.

According to Majid, his attitude towards women was largely shaped by his upbringing, particularly his relationship with his mother and sisters, whom he described as intelligent and influential figures in his life.

He explained that growing up with his sisters and watching them take care of household responsibilities, including cooking and washing, helped him develop a strong appreciation for women.

“I love girls above all things. I love women, and of course, the first woman you will always fall in love with is your mother. I have sisters, and I know they are very intelligent,” he said.

The actor added that his wife possesses similar qualities to the women he grew up with, particularly in the way she handles household responsibilities, which continually reminds him of his upbringing.

Majid further revealed that, unlike some male celebrities who receive unsolicited romantic attention from female admirers, his encounters with women have been quite different.

He noted that some female fans are initially intimidated by him and only approach him when he makes an effort to appear friendly and welcoming.

“The women who threw themselves at me? It is very funny. Some people have women throwing themselves at them, but that has never been my experience. Women do not approach me like that. They are mostly afraid of me unless I decide to be nice,” he stated.

He explained that women who approach him usually do so to express their admiration for his work without attempting to take their relationship with him beyond that of a fan and a public figure.

“They come to me respectfully, not sexually. They say, ‘Oh, I admire you a lot, and I am a big fan,’ and that is it,” he noted.

Reflecting on his more than 26 years in the movie industry, Majid disclosed that he has never had a female fan visit his hotel room during filming or while he was away for work.

“Throughout my over 26 years in this industry, I have never had any woman visit me in a hotel room while I was filming or anything like that. It has never gone beyond fans’ admiration,” he added.