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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President John Mahama has arrived in Moscow, Russia, from Ethiopia to participate in the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit.
The summit is being hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the visit, President Mahama will join fellow African leaders at the Economic and Humanitarian Forum and summit plenary sessions.
He is also scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks with President Putin and attend a Kente exhibition organised by the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Forum.
As part of the visit, the President will receive honorary doctorate degrees from the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.
He will also engage Russian businesses and state institutions to advance bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Russia.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Moses Abor, has met with the Bono Regional Chairman of the party, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, to address concerns arising from recent social media developments.
In a statement shared , Mr. Abor said he yesterday visited Chairman Baffoe over comments he made on his show, which had raised concern among some party activists.
According to him, he also engaged Charles Opoku Presidoo and ironed out grievances he had earlier held regarding the matter.
Mr. Abor said he was pleased that in the spirit of unity and the party’s shared commitment to return to power in 2028, they had a constructive conversation and addressed the concerns amicably.
“With the matter now resolved, I encourage all Party activists to let the matter rest and redirect our energy toward holding the NDC accountable for its failures and misleading claims,” he said.
He urged party members to continue making the case to Ghanaians on why Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the right person to lead the country in 2028.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
