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Use Val’s Day to strengthen, revive, relationship —Counsellor
AS Valentine’s Day is marked around the world with flowers, gifts and romantic gestures, a marriage counsellor has encouraged Ghanaians to move beyond the commercial celebration and reflect on the deeper meaning of love rooted in faith.
Speaking to The Spectator, Counsellor Prince Offei, who is also a mental health professional and a Reverend Minister, said Valentine’s Day has strong Christian origins that were often ignored in contemporary celebrations.
He explained that the day was linked to Saint Valentine, a third-century Christian priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly officiating weddings for young couples. Saint Valentine was later arrested and executed for his actions.
“Saint Valentine stood for love, commitment and marriage, even at the cost of his life; that legacy is what inspired the celebration of love that we now know as Valentine’s Day,” Counsellor Offei said.
He noted that the celebration remains relevant to Christianity when approached from a spiritual perspective.
“As Christians, Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s unconditional love for humanity,” he said, citing 1 John 4:19, which states that love originates from God.
“When love, kindness and generosity are at the centre, the celebration aligns with Christian values.”
Addressing debates over the origins of Valentine’s Day, Counsellor Offei mentioned that the modern observance can be redeemed when believers focus on demonstrating Christ-like love.
“We can use the day to strengthen relationships, share scripture and show love in practical ways,” he said, referencing John 13:34, which urges believers to love one another as Christ loved them.
On how the day should be observed, Counsellor Offei stressed that Valentine’s Day is not limited to romantic relationships.
“For singles, it can be a time to practise self-love and appreciate family and friendships,” he said, adding that for couples who are dating, it is an opportunity to deepen understanding, while married couples can use the day to reconnect and renew their commitment.
He also encouraged acts of service, noting that showing compassion to those in need reflects the true spirit of love.
However, the counsellor expressed concern over the growing association of Valentine’s Day with promiscuity.
“It is worrying when the day is used to justify immoral behaviour,” he said. “Christian teachings emphasise that sexual intimacy is sacred and meant for marriage. When this is ignored and misused, it often leads to emotional and psychological harm,” he added.
Counsellor Offei urged Christians, particularly the youth, to resist societal pressure and remain grounded in faith.
“Young people should remember that true love is rooted in God’s love,” he said. “Social media trends should not define their worth or relationships. Scripture and godly counsel remain the best guides.”
He called on Christians to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder of love that is sacrificial, responsible and reflective of God’s nature.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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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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ANTHONY Jefferson Hanson is an award-winning Ghanaian artist and muralist whose journey reflects courage, creativity, and calculated risk. Known for his striking portraits, live paintings, and large-scale murals, Anthony has built a name for himself by daring to step into rooms where he was not invited—and leaving those rooms transformed.
From an early age, art was more than a subject in school; it was survival, identity, and ambition. While others were still deciding what they wanted to become, Anthony was already designing assignments for classmates and exploring different forms of visual expression. Graphic design, tattoo artistry, painting, and special effects makeup—he embraced them all. To him, art was never limited to one medium; it was a language.
Anthony, also known as Ashenso_gh, began his professional journey as a tattoo artist, viewing the human body as a living canvas. He approached tattooing not just as decoration, but as storytelling—a transfer of knowledge from canvas to skin. His skill quickly earned attention, and he went on to tattoo and paint for notable personalities.
But he wanted more than recognition; he wanted impact. His boldness often set him apart. On one occasion, he waited for hours just to meet a filmmaker, armed only with a sketchpad and belief in his talent. That single opportunity led him onto film sets, where he expanded his role into graphic design, poster creation, and special effects makeup, improvising materials when necessary and learning on the job. Anthony built his career not by waiting for perfect conditions, but by creating them.
A defining moment in his career came when he painted a portrait of then-Prince Charles during a visit to the United Kingdom. Years later, when Charles ascended the throne as King, Anthony resurfaced the artwork, which eventually gained attention and was presented as a congratulatory gesture from Ghana. What began as a personal artistic vision became a diplomatic cultural bridge. That moment underscored Anthony’s mindset: always think ahead. Always ask, “What’s next?”
His portfolio includes portraits of Ghanaian leaders such as President John Dramani Mahama, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the late Jerry John Rawlings, as well as international figures including Idris Elba. His murals and live art performances have taken him across borders. Whether painting in Miami’s Design District or exhibiting at corporate events tied to global brands, Anthony approaches every space with intention.
At one international exhibition, when fellow artists failed to appear, he stepped forward and created a spontaneous live painting linking Ghanaian culture to the host brand. The artwork was later transported overseas, a testament to both his preparation and instinct.
Behind the accolades lies a story of perseverance. Anthony speaks candidly about challenges, including financial struggles, rejection, and discouraging comments about his work. There were moments when his dreams seemed larger than his resources, and moments when critics questioned his direction.
“It hasn’t been easy; there have been demoralising words about my paintings,” he admits, but he chose to respond with discipline rather than defeat. He embraced competition, sharpened his originality, and remained humble enough to grow. For Anthony, humility is not surrender; it is strength under control.
Anthony believes that the true power of an artist lies in authenticity. He encourages young creatives to draw inspiration from their environment and culture rather than imitate trends. According to him, originality is what separates a good artist from a lasting one. He often describes talent as “grace”—a gift placed in one’s hands that, when nurtured with consistency and boldness, opens doors across industries and continents.
Today, Anthony Jefferson Hanson stands as more than a painter. He is a creative entrepreneur, mentor, and cultural ambassador. His dream is to see his works on global platforms, representing Ghana with pride and commanding international recognition. Through murals that transform public spaces and portraits that capture powerful personalities, Anthony continues to prove that art is not merely decoration—it is declaration.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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