News
‘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
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
eputy Foreign Minister accompanies Veep to Shanghai to champion Global South reform, industrial drive
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, accompanied Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on a successful working visit to Shanghai, China, from 15th to 19th October 2026, at the invitation of the East China Normal University (ECNU).
The highlight of the visit was the 2026 Global South Academic Forum held on 17th October, which brought together over 200 scholars, policymakers, political party leaders and media professionals from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”
In her keynote address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted that political independence is only truly the beginning, stating that “winning political power and governing effectively are related but not the same responsibility.” She called for stronger South-South cooperation, multilateralism and reform of the global financial architecture to end debt traps, ensure fair risk assessments and promote climate policies that respect different national circumstances.
On 18th October, she addressed a business forum with Chinese investors, linking Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy to industrialization. Warning that training youth without factories creates unemployment, she appealed for factories to be established in Ghana to serve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, with priority on value addition in cocoa processing, shea butter, cashew, coconut and timber.
On October 19, Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, hosted a dinner at the Shangri-La for the Vice-President, attended by members of the Ghanaian community and business leaders, who praised the thorough preparation by the Ghana Embassy staff for the visit.
Throughout the trip, Mr. Quayson coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to align the engagements with Ghana’s jobs and transformation agenda.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
