News
Slow sales ahead of Valentine’s Day
CHARACTERISTIC of Valentine’s Day celebrations, major streets in Accra are usually awash with items associated with the occasion—but this year, the hype is noticeably lower.
Red balloons, flowers, and gifts occupy public spaces, while shops display huge hampers draped in red and filled with a variety of products. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is a global festival for expressing love, affection, and admiration, evolving from a Christian feast day honouring martyrs.
During a visit to key streets in Accra, The Spectator observed that the low excitement for the event this year is reflected in the number of items on display and the pace of sales compared to previous years.
Some market women noted that Valentine’s Day has lost its relevance in the 21st century.
“The customers are discouraging us from displaying the items because they don’t buy,” one trader revealed.
Baaba Danso, Chief Executive Officer of Love and Care Gift Shop in Accra, confirmed the trend, saying people no longer buy Teddy bears, cards, and flowers; the only items still in demand are chocolates and toffees.
According to traders, many are opting for private ways to celebrate the day, avoiding public displays or traditional gifts. Despite the slow sales ahead of the day, vendors remain hopeful that business will pick up on February 14 itself.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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The Tema Regional Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old driver, Bismark Kpormeno, for possession of a large quantity of compressed plant materials suspected to be Indian hemp.
The arrest was made on Sunday, 31 May 2026 by officers of the Tema Highway Patrol Unit during an operation along the Tema-Ada road.
According to police, the suspect was driving a Hyundai Mighty I container truck and failed to stop when signaled. He attempted to evade arrest but was pursued and apprehended at Bondase.
A search of the vehicle revealed twelve 12 sacks and eighty 80 parcels of compressed plant materials concealed in a container and wrapped in sellotape.
Preliminary investigations show the narcotics were allegedly loaded at Kpeve in the Volta Region and were being transported to Ada.
The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations. The truck and exhibits have been impounded for evidential purposes.
The Tema Regional Police Command says it remains committed to combating drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
They also urged the public to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities.
Firefighters from the Peki Fire Station of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly to a fatal head-on collision involving a Mercedes-Benz container truck (WR 1553-C) travelling from Nkwanta to Accra and a Mercedes-Benz passenger bus (GR 3215-E) travelling from Battor to Kabiti in the Oti Region.
The crash occurred at Peki-Tsame near Peki Senior High School in the early hours of Tuesday, 2nd June 2026.
A total of forty (40) persons were involved, comprising twenty-one (21) males, fifteen (15) females, and four (4) children.
Through a coordinated rescue operation, firefighters extricated 25 injured casualties, including 23 adults and two children.
Sadly, 15 persons lost their lives, made up of nine males and 6 females.
The injured were conveyed to the Peki Government Hospital for treatment, while the deceased were handed over to the Police, who conveyed them to the hospital mortuary for preservation and further investigation. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
The Ghana National Fire Service has extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and urges all motorists to observe road traffic regulations, avoid dangerous driving practices, and exercise maximum caution on the roads to help prevent accidents and save lives.
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