The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, The Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, has expressed strong reservations about the growing use of the phrase “Detty December” to describe Christmas festivities, warning that the term risks distorting the spiritual essence of the season.
Speaking to journalists after the induction of newly elected connexional executives of the Fellowship of Methodist Evangelists, the Presiding Bishop questioned the appropriateness of associating the month of Christ’s birth with language that could be interpreted as “dirty” behaviour.
“Who decided to put the word ‘dirty’ on the month in which Jesus was born? Let us celebrate Christmas in the spirit in which it was established,” he urged.
The Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu said he was troubled by the possible moral implications of the term, particularly if it is understood to promote excessive or irresponsible conduct during the festive season.
The word “detty”, a Nigerian Pidgin English expression derived from “dirty”, is often used to describe the wild, nonstop nature of December celebrations in parts of West Africa. In Ghana, however, the term gained popularity through the “Detty Rave” concert associated with musician Mr Eazy, with the phrase initially coined by his manager, Bernard Kafui Sokpe, as a marketing tool.
Despite its entertainment origins, the Presiding Bishop noted that many people now conflate “detty” with “dirty”, creating a perception that December is merely a season for indulgence rather than reflection and spiritual renewal.
He lamented that Christmas, which should be marked by joy, peace, and gratitude, had increasingly become a period characterised by reckless spending, excessive drinking, and other forms of inappropriate behaviour.
“It is unfortunate that a season meant for celebration and goodwill has been turned into a time when people engage in all kinds of excesses that bring pain rather than joy,” he said.
He also criticised dangerous driving practices during the festive period, noting that some drivers exploit the surge in passenger numbers and end up causing accidents, thereby inflicting needless suffering on families.
“Make merry, but do so in moderation. Avoid conduct that leads to misery and loss of life, and let us celebrate Christmas in peace,” he advised.
The Presiding Bishop appealed to the public not to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, cautioning against celebrations that exclude Christ from a season dedicated to His birth.
He further encouraged political leaders, public officials, and civil servants to embrace selflessness, warning that greed and excessive self-interest often result in hardship for others.
According to him, Christ’s grace remains sufficient to guide the nation through the Christmas season and into the new year.
The comments were made during the induction ceremony of the 11-member connexional executive of the Fellowship of Methodist Evangelists.
The newly inducted leadership is chaired by Evangelist Gladys Mamtee Osabutey, with Prof. Francis K. E. Nunoo serving as Vice-Chairman. Other members include Ebenezer Fosu Dadzie as Secretary, Chief Arku Korsah as Assistant Secretary, Emmanuel Aboagye Ayerakwa as Financial Secretary, Nathaniel Okang as Treasurer, Godfred K. N. Sarpong as Public Relations Officer, and Nicholas Awuku-Bekoe as an ex-officio member. The remaining executive members are Charles Mensah, John Eshun, and Dinah Ghartey.
Notably, Evangelist Osabutey becomes the first female chairperson of the fellowship since its establishment in 1994.
Inducting the executives, The Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu reminded them that their calling as evangelists demands integrity, commitment to the Word of God, and a life that reflects the message of salvation they proclaim.
“Your responsibility is rooted in the Word of God. As you proclaim the good news in season and out of season, your lives must themselves bear witness to the transforming power of Christ,” he said.
In a sermon that followed, the Presiding Bishop linked the induction ceremony to the Advent season, a period in the Christian calendar that commemorates God’s coming into the world through Jesus Christ.
He charged the evangelists to ensure that they personally live out the saving grace of Christ so that they can effectively lead others to Him.
In her response, Evangelist Osabutey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work faithfully with God to bring more people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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