How Ghanaian & Nigerian Businesses Are Turning Detty December Into Their Biggest Season

Before she opened her own restaurant this year, Chef Imoteda Aladekomo was managing another restaurant last December. It was in the peak of Detty December, and it was arguably the busiest period for her at that restaurant. “We saw a significant increase in group reservations, out-of-town visitors, and general walk-ins, especially for our unlimited cocktail offer. It was one of our busiest periods of the year, and it helped us reach a completely new audience that normally might not come out during quieter months.”

For local businesses like Aladekomo’s, which specialise in food, accommodation, entertainment, and transport services, Detty December is one of the most prosperous months. With thousands of visitors flooding major cities like Lagos and Accra, businesses are offered a new market with higher purchasing power. Last December alone, the Lagos State Government said it recorded $71.6 million in revenue. “During the season tagged ‘Detty December’, hotels alone accounted for over $44 million, while short-let apartments contributed over $13 million, underscoring Lagos’ immense economic potential as a destination city,” a portion of the report revealed. 

In Ghana, 236,000 international visitors arrived between November and December 2024, adding a significant new customer base for businesses. 

With this in mind, local businesses say they are preparing themselves for another influx of tourists this year. Adalekomo, who now runs Fired and Iced, a BBQ and live-fire restaurant in Lagos, says she is gearing up for the busy season. “This year, I’m excited about consolidating everything we learned last December to create smoother, more elevated experiences. At Fired & Iced, we’re preparing for more curated events, better flow in the space, and improved service training for high-volume days,” Aladekomo tells OkayAfrica.

She also runs a private food company, Oremi, and a candle business, Rékojá, both of which are poised to capitalize on the season's buzz.

“Oremi will be hosting more structured, themed dinners, and for Rékojá, we’re preparing earlier; production, packaging, and inventory management have all been tightened so we can meet demand without the usual year-end panic. We already sent out multiple bulk orders in advance for companies. I’m also looking forward to welcoming the diaspora again; Detty December brings an energy you just don’t get any other time of year.”

“I am looking forward to having my clients have a seamless stay in their apartments,” says Ivan Adumoah, a Ghanaian realtor who runs a real estate and property management agency. “In preparation for that, I am ensuring that every amenity they will use and experience is in top-tier condition, so that they can have the best time in Ghana. And that’s my little contribution to making sure that people continue to troop into the country, because staying in Ghana is luxe.”

Also in Ghana, Joyce Obaayaa James, who runs a rental car service, says this period typically comes with high demand for her small fleet. Last year, James says her company saw an increase in revenue, as well as referrals and recommendations.

New profits, old problems

In Nigeria and Ghana, wonky infrastructure continues to make operations difficult for local businesses. For example, insecurity still looms over Nigeria, with new reports of kidnappings serving as a potential deterrent to visitors who might want to visit this year. And not to mention that Lagos and Accra are two major cultural capitals notorious for long traffic jams at this time of the year. 

“The challenge is that public investment has not kept pace with the economic momentum,” Caleb Wuniti Ziblim, an Accra-based economic analyst, explains.

“Infrastructure that should support a nightlife-driven economy is still lacking. For example, street lighting and sanitation remain poor despite the rise in night events, and even though police visibility increases, the lighting situation is still abysmal. Ghana markets itself as a December tourism hub, but the public infrastructure does not fully reflect that ambition.”

This period also sees major price hikes and battles with exchange rates, creating a possible cycle of price gouging and fluctuations. “Hospitality and entertainment businesses enjoy a natural increase in demand during December. Unfortunately, many see this as an opportunity to raise prices sharply, often making it difficult for locals to fully participate in activities in their own city,” Ziblim says.

Ziblim continues: “This year presents an additional dynamic because the cedi has appreciated by more than 30 percent. Visitors arriving with the same amount of dollars as last year will effectively be about 30 percent poorer when they convert their money.” He adds that visitors will be more cautious in their spending as a result of this. “They may choose cheaper options or reduce the number of premium services they consume. Local businesses will need to be aware of this shift and adjust their pricing strategies accordingly.”

Adalekomo says increased government support would make this period easier for local businesses. “Better traffic management in high-density areas like Lekki would make a huge difference to restaurants and entertainment spaces, more reliable power supply — December demand spikes always strain generators and fuel costs. Improved road infrastructure, especially around entertainment hubs, would ease access for customers. On the policy side, clearer guidelines around events, street vending, and security during holiday crowds would help businesses plan better and operate safely.”

Adumoah says increased attention to tourist sites would leave a better impression on the service chain. “I would [also] like there to be better funding for smaller-scale businesses. Even things like better logistical services will make a vast difference in the business,” he adds.

To capitalize on this moment and build longevity, economic analyst Ziblim encourages businesses to prioritize quality of service. “Many vendors operate with a short-term mindset and try to maximize profits during the December rush,” he says. “Businesses must therefore ensure that the quality of their offerings matches the prices they charge. Visitors will be more price sensitive this year and will quickly choose alternatives if they feel overcharged. Delivering strong value is the surest way to remain competitive during the season.”