Detty December in Ghana was nothing short of electric with equal parts of culture, chaos, beauty, and joy. From parties until sunrise to soulful history lessons, my trip to Accra reminded me why travel and exploring cultures feeds my spirit.
The Journey (aka the chaos before the calm)
The trip didn’t begin smoothly. Think delayed and missed flights, lost luggage, and a very questionable last-minute hotel stay in Brooklyn. After being rerouted from New York to New Jersey, I finally landed in Accra a day later than planned, exhausted but excited. The first order of business? A long, grounding shower before stepping into the festivities.
Black Star Square & Kwame Nkrumah
Once refreshed, I met friends at the iconic Black Star Square, a symbol of Ghana’s fight against colonialism. Commissioned by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, the monument proudly bears the inscription “AD 1957, Freedom and Justice.” A reminder of Ghana’s independence from British rule.
We followed this with a visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a powerful space honoring his legacy. One quote stayed with me read
“I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”
That night ended dancing on the beach at Polo Beach Club, laughter spilling into the early hours of the morning.
Makola Market & Ghanaian Flavors
The next day, we explored Makola Market, a vibrant maze of vendors selling everything from fabrics to fresh shea butter and black soap…two skincare staples I had to bring home. While there, we unexpectedly caught a known Ghanaian influencer filming a dance video. Accra truly moves at its own rhythm.
Afterward, we refueled at Buka Restaurant, a MUST visit for food lovers. I started with goat pepper stew that was so flavorful it cleared my sinuses instantly. I then moved on to lamb chops with jollof rice cooked to perfection. Just thinking about it makes my taste buds wake up again.
A post-meal nap was inevitable… but short-lived. I woke up around 3 a.m., got dressed, and headed out again. At Front/Back, the DJ blended Afrobeats with R&B and hip-hop. We danced until sunrise, again lol.
A Day of Pampering & New Year’s Eve
The following day was dedicated to self-care. At Hair Rack, five women braided my hair simultaneously. For $96 USD, my braids were taken out, hair washed and redone in under four hours. Such efficiency amazes me. With my edges laid, I treated myself to a facial at the luxury spa inside the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City. A 50-minute facial focused on hydration and detoxification felt like the reset I didn’t know I needed.
That night, we rang in the New Year at Bloom Bar. As the countdown echoed…5-4-3-2-1 Happy New Year!! Fireworks lit up the sky, cheers filled the air, and the night dissolved into dancing, chanting, and laughter.
Until Next Time Ghana
My final night ended the only way Detty December knows how to, partying until sunrise. From the party, I headed straight back to the hotel, grab my luggage, and was off to the airport. No time for sleep, that’s what the plane is for.
I did a lot in one week, yet there’s still so much more I want to see: Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, and tours of Ghana’s cocoa farms and chocolate factories. This was my first time visiting Africa, but it absolutely won’t be my last. Detty December showed me that Accra doesn’t sleep, but it also holds space for history, pride, community, and joy.
