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Ghanaians to spend more on Valentine’s gifts
Ghanaians may have to spend more on valentine’s gifts for their loved ones this Valentine’s Day following the increase in prices of the products.
A survey conducted by Ghanaian Times in some suburbs of Accra including, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Kaneshie, kokomlemle, and Makola among others, suggest that at least gifts have increased by half the prices that they were sold last month.
For example, a bar of chocolate that was sold at GH ₵ 10 last month was now sold at GH ₵ 15 as now and a love teddy bear sold at GH₵ 150 was now sold at GH ₵ 200.
The current prevailing price appears to be of grave concern to some consumers.
A businessman, Kojo Nti, who was out hunting for a gift for his loved ones said, he had been walking all day trying to get things at reasonable prices for his mother and girlfriend but his effort proved futile.
He noted that he wanted to buy a teddy bear, a bouquet of flowers, and a branded perfume for his girlfriend but he was exceeding his budget, so he had to leave one out to be able to get something for his mother because the prices of gifts were too expensive.
Mr. Nti pleaded with traders to reduce the prices of goods to a reasonable one, so customers can buy to express affection to their loved ones in this month of love.
The manager of Anjou Beauty at Darkuman, Hannah Amanquah said she had plans of surprising her boyfriend this month since it was a month of love and also her boyfriend’s birth month but due to the current prices of gifts, she had to cancel those plans.
She said, she would not be able to buy him anything for valentine’s or his birthday because the prices were too much for her.
Wisdom Dela, who said he normally buys chocolate because he likes it, said, he was shocked to hear the current price of the 100g bar of chocolate he usually buys at Kaneshie market.
He said, he bought it for GH10 at the same place just three weeks ago, only to go there yesterday and it was sold to him at GH₵15.
Therefore, he had to buy the one that was sold at GH₵10 which was previously sold for GH₵5 last month.
“The increased in the prices of chocolate is a big blow to us chocolate lovers because if you look at the prices as compared to the products, it is too much,” he said.
He recommended producers and traders look beyond Valentine’s Day when pricing their goods because there were people who bought those products regardless of the time of the year.
A trader at Makola market, Mabel Ofosu said the increase in products was not because of Valentine’s Day but rather they were selling it according to how they bought it from the wholesale.
She said some manufacturers have also increased their product due to increase in demand, so they were also selling at a rate they could also make a little profit.
“People should not look at the increased in products and show affection to their loved ones, there is no price greater than love so show your people the love they deserve,” she added.
BY CECILIA LAGBA AND GRACE SEY-ANSAH
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
