Detty December reimagined: Ghanaian Brands Prioritize Wellness and Sustainable Community
As the vibrant West African celebration of Detty December approaches its tenth anniversary, a shift is underway. Attendees are increasingly seeking experiences that extend beyond nightlife, prioritizing health, wellness, and community engagement. This year, that desire is being met by a unique collaboration between two Ghanaian women-owned brands: Hanahana Beauty and ONO.
Offering a refreshing alternative to the conventional festivities, Hanahana Beauty and ONO are hosting a three-day experiential pop-up in Accra from December 18th-20th. The event, conceived by founders Abena Boamah-Acheampong and baboa Tachie-Menson, is designed to be more than a retail experience; it’s a celebration of mindful consumption, community building, and holistic well-being.
hanahana Beauty, known for its ethically sourced shea butter skincare, has built a reputation for its commitment to social impact. The brand works directly with the Shea Cooperative in Northern Ghana and paying suppliers double the market rate. this dedication extends beyond product sourcing, with initiatives like the Smooth Walking Club in Chicago and New York fostering community engagement.
Complementing hanahana Beauty’s focus on skincare is ONO, a brand specializing in sustainable fashion. “All of our artisans are women, and we use a zero-waste method with our clothing,” explained a founder. ONO’s garments, crafted from breathable 100% linen, are designed for comfort in Accra’s climate, with production limited to small batches – the largest run to date being just 27 pieces. The brand emphasizes the connection between clothing and well-being,highlighting linen’s sustainability and skin-kind properties.
The pop-up is strategically located at The Grove, home to The Showroom Accra – owned by ONO founder baboa tachie-Menson – as well as the Lebene Movement Studio and Mansa Gold Cafe, all of which are partnering to offer wellness activations throughout the event. This collaborative ecosystem extends the impact of the pop-up beyond its three-day duration.
The founders recognize the power of bridging local and international efforts. “This collaboration is not just for that moment. It’s for Ghanaians that are here and people that come too, but it’s about intentionally creating these partnerships across wellness,” Boamah explained.
The three-day event boasts a diverse program, including a panel discussion on “the Art of Responsible Business” featuring Tiffany Bender of afrofuture, Kofi Labi, Reez of Small Hype, Yayra The Revival, and Dominique Petit-Frere of the Limbo Museum. Attendees can also participate in a “Pilates + Chill” experience led by Lora of Lebene Movement Studio, complete with a cold plunge hosted by Honey Pot Spa and refreshments from Mansa Gold Tea and coffee. The event will culminate in a closing party at Palm Moments with DJ sets by DJ Reez and Afia Friday.
Beyond the activations,the pop-up will feature new product launches from both brands. Hanahana Beauty is introducing a limited-edition Bamboo Coconut Glow butter, while ONO is debuting a collection of loose-fit linen pants and oversized shirts. A collaborative “Detty, but Never Dry” merchandise tank will also be available.
“I want people to leave feeling inspired and like they have found truly quality products,” Boamah stated. “I know that the people interested in Hanahana Beauty should have access to brands like ONO not just in Ghana, but outside too.”
Tachie-Menson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption. “On the fashion aspect, I want people to leave thinking about their clothes… to think about why you are buying things,” she shared.”For me, fashion is not just, ‘Oh this is nice, let me wear it.’ It’s also about how I feel in it… what it does to my body. I want people to leave being more intentional about how they shop, the brands that they shop from.”
By uniting their brands, Boamah-Acheampong and Tachie-Menson are not only amplifying the commitment to sustainable business and wellness within Accra but also establishing a model for authentic community engagement – one that prioritizes both customers and the communities that empower their work.
