A GNA feature by Patrick Ofoe Nudzi
Accra, Jan. 13, GNA – Valentine’s Day has evolved into an annual spectacle that evokes a cocktail of excitement, pressure, reflection and emotions. As February 14 approaches, the excitement and anticipation are palpable in most countries, with Ghana not an exception.
From the bustling streets of Accra to the lively markets of Kumasi, young people across the country are preparing for a day that promises romance, celebration, and sometimes, a fair share of pressure.
While many are embracing the day with open arms, others are navigating the mixed feelings with some uncertainty.
In Ghana, the Valentine’s Day, widely accepted as ‘Chocolate Day’, has become much more than just an occasion for roses and chocolates – it is a day that challenges the true meaning of love.
Ama Dokua Tandoh, 23, a student at the University of Ghana, said: “I love the idea of Valentine’s Day. It’s a day to feel special and to celebrate love, not just romantic love but also the love we share with friends and family.”
“But sometimes, it feels like there’s too much expectation – if you don’t have a date, you are left out.”
Ama’s sentiments reflect a common theme among young Ghanaians. For many, Valentine’s Day brings joy and anticipation, while others feel left out because of the lack of a “date.”
The cities’ streets are flooded with love-themed decorations, flower vendors appear at every corner, and online platforms are briming with gift ideas and love poems, urging one to express love in grand style.
But not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. Kumi Gyan George, a 25-year-old graphic designer, said he was not a fan of Valentine.
“The Day is like a commercial holiday that forces you to spend money. It’s all about buying expensive gifts, chocolates, and flowers. For me, love shouldn’t come with such a price tag. It feels artificial sometimes,” he said.
Kumi’s perspective highlights the growing awareness among Ghana’s youth about the commercialisation of love where the allure of consumerism often overshadows the genuine emotions the day brings.
For many young people, this can create a sense of disconnection, where the pressure to conform to societal expectations – whether through expensive gifts or social media display of affection – becomes overwhelming.
Nii Armah Adjetey Jr., a commercial motorbike operator (okada rider), proposed that the Val’s Day be outlawed as the occasion breeds immorality and causes disaffection among couples and lovers if expectations were not met.
“Valentine’s Day in Ghana always brings the news of condom shortages and I do not think it is worth celebrating. Who knows, on the day of celebration when I am not able to take my wife out she may fall victim to the condom shortage syndrome, the immoral act,” he said.
Amid the high expectations, there is also a rising movement of young people who are embracing Valentine’s Day in their own way.
“Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about finding someone to date,” 21-year-old Nana Kwame Asante, a budding entrepreneur, remarked.
“You can celebrate yourself, your friends, your family. I think it’s important to reframe the narrative and make it more about all kinds of love, not just romantic.”
Miss Agnes Ansah, a journalist with the Ghana News Agency, retorted: “It is an occasion for showing love to families, friends and people.”‘
” I do not think it should be about sexual intercourse and immorality but nowadays what we see is that people engage in immoral acts than the intended purpose of the day.”
She said she would appreciate gifts from her loved ones – not expensive ones but little gifts that carry a lot of meaning and thoughtfulness.
“”I will purchase a nice gift for my boyfriend and appreciate him for his love, care and support come February 14,” she said.
Indeed, as Ghana’s youth evolve in their thinking and approaches to relationships, many are denouncing the traditional and commercialised notions of Valentine. With an increasing number of people turning to “self-love” and emphasising the importance of emotional well-being, a shift in how the day is celebrated is inevitable.
Some also view Valentine’s Day as a time for introspection and reflection. Yawa Emefa Gavor, 22, self-employed, said: “Valentine’s Day makes me think about the type of love I want in my life. I’ve realised that love doesn’t always look the way society tells us it should. It’s about respect, understanding, and sharing experiences.”
The expectations, experiences, and emotions surrounding Valentine’s Day are as diverse as the country’s vibrant culture. Whether it comes as a day filled with flowers, chocolates, and “dates”, or a quieter occasion of self-reflection, one thing is clear: Love, in all its forms, remains at the heart of the celebration.
For young Ghanaians, navigating this emotional landscape is a mix of joy, uncertainty, and a deep desire for meaningful connections.
The world is constantly changing and so are the ways in which young people engage in the day of love.
Ghana’s youth no longer confine themselves to the traditional ideals but embracing a more inclusive, multifaceted, and personal understanding of what love means.
Whether celebrated with a partner, friend, or by oneself, Valentine’s Day is becoming less about the commercial fanfare and more about the authenticity of the connections the people cherish.
GNA