By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, Feb. 14, GNA – The Reverend Ebenezer Ayer, Head Pastor, Priesthood Worship Centre (PWC) Assemblies of God, Tema Community Six, has urged young people to celebrate Valentine’s Day responsibly by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
Rev. Ayer warned that the misuse of alcohol on such occasions led to negative consequences, including accidents, violence, poor decision-making, compromising one’s dignity, and contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and emphasised the importance of self-control and responsible behaviour.
“The church must be very pragmatic; we should be able to step in. Originally this wasn’t the mind of whoever started it. It was started as a Christian occasion; there must be an emphasis on showing true love; we must organise programmes to encourage the youth to attend to better their lives,” he said.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the youth needed to focus on the true meaning of love and relationships instead of indulging in harmful activities, saying that “you do not need alcohol to have a good time; true love is about making wise choices and looking out for one another’s well-being.”
He said the original essence of Valentine’s Day celebrations centred on honouring Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr, and the enduring spirit of love, though its modern interpretation has evolved to encompass romantic love, friendship, and family bonds.
He said the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day mostly had distorted the essence of the occasion as it had been filled with alcoholism and sexual activities, even to the extent that the country experiences a condom shortage during the celebration.
He stressed that the situation was worrying, and it was time for the churches to strive to bring back the essence of celebrating the occasion, encouraging the youth to be mindful of their actions and to celebrate in a way that upholds their dignity and well-being.
He urged parents and community leaders to educate young people about responsible behaviours and encouraged churches and social groups to organise alternative Valentine’s Day events that promote positive values.
Rev. Ayer also advised couples to prioritise meaningful expressions of love, such as spending quality time together, showing kindness, and strengthening their relationships through mutual respect and understanding.
GNA