Coordinator for the Blackstar Experience, Rex Omar, has responded to recent criticism regarding the term "Detty December" following comments made by Ghana's Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

The term, often associated with the festive season in Ghana, was criticized by Bagbin, who suggested that it promoted lawlessness and contributed to rising substance abuse in the country.

Bagbin’s remarks came after a conversation with a woman from the United States who referred to her upcoming visit to Ghana as part of "Detty December."

The Speaker was alarmed by her description, stating that it was a time when people came to Ghana "to do whatever they want for free and then go back." He expressed concerns that this mentality was detrimental to the country, warning that such terminologies should not be encouraged.

Speaking during an interview on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz with Doreen Avio on May 1, 2025, Rex Omar swiftly defended the term, clarifying that “Detty December” does not imply chaos or lawlessness, as suggested by the Speaker.

According to Omar, the term has evolved within the creative community and has a more positive connotation. "He should bear with us. We are creatives, we are always creating, and we’re changing language to mean different things, so it’s not D-I-R-T-Y," Rex Omar explained. "‘Detty December’ is D-E-T-T-Y, it’s unrestricted celebration."

Omar further emphasized that the term merely signifies a time of freedom and joyous festivities, where people can celebrate without restrictions. "We have laws in this country, and you can’t come here and do anything that is against the law. If you go against the law, you’ll be arrested. The fact that we are celebrating ‘Detty December’ doesn’t mean you can come here and do whatever you like," he added.

Omar stressed that any misinterpretation of the term, especially one suggesting that it encourages irresponsible or illegal behavior, was inaccurate. "Whoever translated it to him that you can come to Ghana and do anything you like is mistaken. That is not what ‘Detty December’ means. It means unrestricted celebrations all over the place, come, enjoy yourself, and go," he explained.

The controversy surrounding “Detty December” escalated after Speaker Bagbin’s comments, in which he linked the event to an increase in substance abuse, particularly drugs like Tramadol and Red. Bagbin suggested that this culture was eroding the moral fabric of the country, urging Ghanaian leaders to take a stand against it.

In a separate interview with Ghanaian brand consultant Bernard Keith “Sokpe,” known as Mr. Meister, the originator of the “Detty December” concept, he also shared his thoughts on the matter. Mr. Meister stressed that the term is not connected to negative behavior such as drug use. "I think it is about enjoyment, and it is completely detached from what happens in December. It should not be associated with drugs… I think it is unfounded, and we need to sit at the drawing board and find ways in which ‘Detty December’ can promote the Black Star Experience,” he stated.

In response to the growing concerns, the Blackstar Experience Secretariat has promised to introduce more initiatives aimed at making this year's December celebrations not only more exciting but also impactful.

The organization aims to shift the focus to a more positive and enriching celebration that celebrates Ghanaian culture while ensuring that the festivities remain law-abiding and responsible.

As the debate continues, Rex Omar’s clarifications have sparked renewed conversations on the meaning of “Detty December” and its role in promoting tourism and entertainment in Ghana.

The term, he insists, remains a symbol of free-spirited celebration, unburdened by any destructive connotations.