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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
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
