By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, Feb. 11, GNA – Some youth in Nungua and Tema have stated that they are planning innovative activities that fit their financial status towards the 2025 Valentine’s Day celebration.
They said the rising cost of living had made extravagant celebrations less appealing, with many opting for affordable and meaningful ways to mark the occasion.
They said the current economic situation in Ghana had compelled them to make budgeting a necessity, saying that high prices of goods and services had even affected prices of traditional Valentine’s Day gifts such as chocolates and flowers.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in a random survey, Mr Samuel Asante, a 29-year-old teacher, said Valentine’s Day celebrations did not have to be expensive.
He stated, “My girlfriend and I have agreed to a simple home-cooked dinner instead of dining out. Going to a fancy restaurant is nice, but it is not a must; we can cook together at home and still have a great time.”
Mr Charles Teye, a mobile money vendor, said he would celebrate in ways that would not strain his finances.
“I have a television and a Netflix account; we can have movie nights at home or exchange messages, and I can post her on my status. These little things could spark the love between us, and if I explain to her that I don’t have enough to buy an expensive gift for her, there shouldn’t be a problem,” he further said.
Mr Eben Abui, a hairstylist, however, said he does not see the essence of celebrating Valentine’s Day, stating, “I don’t celebrate because it’s not in the Bible. I don’t have a girlfriend, but if I did, I would have considered her mentality before thinking if I’d buy something for her or not.”
Mr Courage Garr, an electrical engineer, said he was grateful to God that he had been single for some time now, as he would have been pushed to go out with the lady or buy something for her if still in a relationship.
He recounted how he spent a lot of his finances last year on the celebration, leaving him with nothing after Valentine’s Day, taking him some days to recover.
Madam Celestine Wood, a trader in Valentine accessories at Tema Community One, said there were a lot of products on the market that make it possible for everybody to celebrate irrespective of how deep their pockets are.
She said the price of pants and bra set ranged between GHS100 and GHS 250, while the price of Valentine toys ranged between GHS60 and GHS150, depending on the size and packaging.
Prices of items like customised wristbands, necklaces, and keys depend on the quality, while that of hampers depends on the quantity and types of items packed.
Mr Gorge Ofori, the owner of a drinking spot in Tema, said he had stocked up his bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, anticipating that people would come there to buy the drinks during the Valentine’s Day celebration on February 14.
He said during such celebrations, people flooded drinking bars and eateries even after complaining that there was no money in the system; as such, he was very sure that all he had stocked up on would be consumed.
GNA