By Albert Allotey, GNA
Accra, Feb. 13, GNA – Mr George Opare-Addo, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment has urged the youth to cherish and respect themselves and commit to choices that secure their future as they celebrate the Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
“Let us use this day to affirm our dedication to living responsibly, supporting one another, and building a generation that is strong, disciplined and ready to lead Ghana into greatness,” he stated.
He added that “Let us also distinguished this day as a day free of substance abuse including alcohol, let us remember not to offer sex as a gift on this day but offer chocolate to a loved one.”
In a statement signed by the Minister and copied to the Ghana News Agency, he extend his heartfelt wishes to all young people across Ghana, as they celebrate the day and asked them to use the occasion to reflect on the values of respect, responsibility and care for one another.
He encouraged the youth to celebrate the Day in ways that would uplift and empower them while avoiding choices that could endanger their health and future.
Mr Opare-Addo cautioned that drugs and substance abuse does not only harm the body and mind but also underminad aspirations of young people who are destined to be the future leaders of the nation.
He said the growing teenage pregnancies and rising number of HIV infection among the youth were alarming and posed a serious threat to their health, education and future opportunities
He therefore called for urgent collective action to protect the wellbeing of the young people and to secure the nation’s future.
The Minister urged parents, guardians, educators and community leaders to join hands in guiding the youth towards positive choices.
He said the role of families, schools, and communities was critical in shaping the values and decisions of young people, especially at a time when they were exposed to increasing social pressures.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo