A GREENER DETTY DECEMBER IN GHANA: REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT

Written By : Ekow Quandzie

It's that time of year again – Christmas is around the corner, and in Ghana, it's not just a festive season; it's a cultural explosion of diversity, music, and food. GenZs have coined it DETTY DECEMBER capturing the spirit of the month-long celebration that attracts visitors from around the world eager to experience the country's unique charm.

With Ghana's tourism hitting new heights, thanks to initiatives like the Year of Return and Beyond The Return, December has become a global rendezvous. In 2022, international arrivals reached a staggering 105,214, reflecting a remarkable 24% growth from the previous year's 84,965, with tourists spending $10.6 million during an average stay of 14 nights, according to the Ghana Tourism Report.

As we gear up for another spectacular DETTY DECEMBER in 2023, it's crucial to address the elephant in the room – traffic in the bustling capital, Accra. With over two million residents and a complex traffic situation, especially during peak times, innovative solutions are needed to curb congestion and promote sustainability, especially in the realm of transportation.

Enter the concept of GREEN DETTY DECEMBER The spotlight is on reducing our carbon footprint, acknowledging the environmental impact of vehicular emissions during events. Fossil fuel reliance was a hot topic at this year's COP28, emphasizing the urgent need to minimize our ecological footprint.

A breakdown of the concept of Carbon Footprint will reveal that, it is the total greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by individuals, organizations, events, products, or processes. For vehicles, the burning of fossil fuels contributes significantly to carbon footprints, releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air pollution.

In light of this phenonmenon, there are simple strategies that can be adapted for a Greener Celebration.

Carpooling and Ride-Sharing with friends or utilizing ride-sharing services can drastically help to reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road.

Written By : Ekow Quandzie

There is also the option of Public Transportation, whicih despite being a challenge, is a step toward a more sustainable future. Event organizers can collaborate with local transport authorities to optimize routes and schedules.

The organization of Community Shuttles to streamline transportation can also be effected on the back of a zonal division of Accra. This can be used to coordinate community bus shuttles to major events, reducing traffic congestion.

Finally, Park-and-Ride Facilities can also be opted for to secure spacious parking near event venues. Patrons can park their vehicles, reducing traffic congestion in the immediate event area.

December in Ghana isn't just about revelry; it's an opportunity to embrace environmentally friendly activities for a healthier, more sustainable future. By adopting these mobility strategies, we can turn DETTY DECEMBER into a GREEN DECEMBER, creating lasting memories while preserving the planet.

Let's celebrate responsibly, reduce our carbon footprint, and pave the way for a greener and more sustainable Detty December – because festive joy should be shared with the environment too!