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‘Tis the red season: Celebrating love on Valentine’s Day
February is often referred to as the ‘Month of Love,’ a time when couples, friends, and loved ones take the opportunity to celebrate and appreciate one another.
Among the many days in February, Valentine’s Day – February 14 – stands out as the most recognised day for love and affection worldwide. Though it is not an official public holiday, it is widely celebrated in workplaces, schools, churches, and various social gatherings.
From exchanging gifts, planning romantic surprises to making heartfelt gestures, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder that love is meant to be cherished and expressed in countless ways.
Origins and significance of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day has deep historical roots dating back to ancient Rome. It is widely believed that the day was named after Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages and secretly wed young couples. His defiance led to his imprisonment and eventual execution on February 14, around the year 269 AD.
While the origins of the day remain debatable, the tradition of celebrating love on this day gained popularity over centuries.
By the middle ages, it became associated with courtly love, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, handwritten love letters, poetry, and small tokens of affection became customary.
Today, Valentine’s Day is a global celebration marked by expressions of romance, friendship, and appreciation.
Creative ways to celebrate love
For many, chocolates and flowers are the go-to gifts on Valentine’s Day, with some referring to it as ‘Chocolate Day’ due to the overwhelming demand for sweet treats.
However, love can be expressed in many ways than just gifting chocolates.
People now plan elaborate surprises, book romantic getaways, and host intimate dinner dates. Some hire professional event planners to decorate spaces such as hotel rooms, beaches, or private restaurants with stunning red roses, candles, balloons, and soft music to set the mood for a memorable evening.
Others opt for personalised experiences, such as handwritten love letters or poetry for a more sentimental touch, surprise picnics at scenic locations, ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) gift boxes filled with personal mementos, perfumes, books, and custom jewelry while others try a few adventure dates, such as boat rides, road trips, or even skydiving for the thrill-seekers.
Even for those who are single, Valentine’s Day offers a chance to celebrate self-love and friendships.
Many individuals host self-care spa days, plan solo trips, or organise “Galentine’s” and “Palentine’s” parties to celebrate friendships and enjoy the day in a unique way.
Business
Valentine’s Day is not just an occasion for lovebirds – it is also a booming season for businesses. Retailers, online vendors, and local markets anticipate increased sales, with thousands of products being marketed as perfect gifts for the occasion.
Some of the most in-demand Valentine’s gifts include flower bouquets, fashion accessories such as handbags, perfumes, jewelry, watches, and shoes, personalised items like engraved bracelets, photo books, and couple’s portraits and themed Valentine’s cakes.
Restaurants and event centres capitalise on the season by offering special Valentine’s Day packages, couples’ dinner discounts, and themed entertainment nights.
For small business owners, the Valentine’s season is an opportunity to maximise profits, market unique products, and offer exclusive deals to attract more customers.
One of the beautiful aspects of Valentine’s Day is that it is not just for couples. It is a time to celebrate all forms of love – romantic, platonic, and familial. Whether it’s expressing gratitude to parents, surprising a close friend, or simply practising self-love, there is always a way to be part of the celebration.
Valentine’s Day is more than just a commercialised event; it is a time to celebrate the essence of love in all its forms. Whether it’s through a heartfelt gift, a simple message, a surprise dinner, or even just quality time, the goal is to make someone feel truly special.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
By Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
