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Ghanaians to spend more on Valentine’s gifts
Ghanaians may have to spend more on valentine’s gifts for their loved ones this Valentine’s Day following the increase in prices of the products.
A survey conducted by Ghanaian Times in some suburbs of Accra including, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Kaneshie, kokomlemle, and Makola among others, suggest that at least gifts have increased by half the prices that they were sold last month.
For example, a bar of chocolate that was sold at GH ₵ 10 last month was now sold at GH ₵ 15 as now and a love teddy bear sold at GH₵ 150 was now sold at GH ₵ 200.
The current prevailing price appears to be of grave concern to some consumers.
A businessman, Kojo Nti, who was out hunting for a gift for his loved ones said, he had been walking all day trying to get things at reasonable prices for his mother and girlfriend but his effort proved futile.
He noted that he wanted to buy a teddy bear, a bouquet of flowers, and a branded perfume for his girlfriend but he was exceeding his budget, so he had to leave one out to be able to get something for his mother because the prices of gifts were too expensive.
Mr. Nti pleaded with traders to reduce the prices of goods to a reasonable one, so customers can buy to express affection to their loved ones in this month of love.
The manager of Anjou Beauty at Darkuman, Hannah Amanquah said she had plans of surprising her boyfriend this month since it was a month of love and also her boyfriend’s birth month but due to the current prices of gifts, she had to cancel those plans.
She said, she would not be able to buy him anything for valentine’s or his birthday because the prices were too much for her.
Wisdom Dela, who said he normally buys chocolate because he likes it, said, he was shocked to hear the current price of the 100g bar of chocolate he usually buys at Kaneshie market.
He said, he bought it for GH10 at the same place just three weeks ago, only to go there yesterday and it was sold to him at GH₵15.
Therefore, he had to buy the one that was sold at GH₵10 which was previously sold for GH₵5 last month.
“The increased in the prices of chocolate is a big blow to us chocolate lovers because if you look at the prices as compared to the products, it is too much,” he said.
He recommended producers and traders look beyond Valentine’s Day when pricing their goods because there were people who bought those products regardless of the time of the year.
A trader at Makola market, Mabel Ofosu said the increase in products was not because of Valentine’s Day but rather they were selling it according to how they bought it from the wholesale.
She said some manufacturers have also increased their product due to increase in demand, so they were also selling at a rate they could also make a little profit.
“People should not look at the increased in products and show affection to their loved ones, there is no price greater than love so show your people the love they deserve,” she added.
BY CECILIA LAGBA AND GRACE SEY-ANSAH
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
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Communication Ministry To Train 3000 Girls This Year Under The Girls-In-ICT Initiative
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations is set to train 3,000 girls under this year’s Girls-In-ICT Initiative.
The 2025 edition of the programme will expand its footprint to three key regions: Volta, Upper East and Upper West, with each region hosting 1,000 girls for in-person training sessions.
This marks a significant increase in reach and impact compared to previous years, where only 500 girls received face-to-face training while an additional 500 participated online.
By offering full in-person training to all participants this year, the Ministry aims to provide a more immersive and hands-on experience in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education.
The Minister, Samuel Nartey George (MP) revealed this when a team from TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) paid a courtesy call on him today in his office and expressed interest in supporting the Girls-In-ICT Initiative.
During the meeting, the TCS team led by the President-MEA, Sumanta Roy commended the Ministry for its efforts in promoting digital inclusion and bridging the gender gap in technology through the Girls-In-ICT programme.
They emphasized the alignment of the initiative with TCS’s global corporate social responsibility agenda, which includes advancing education, promoting digital skills, and empowering underrepresented groups, especially young women in the tech industry.
The Honourable Minister welcomed the interest shown by TCS and noted that strategic partnerships like this are essential to the sustainability and expansion of the initiative.
The Girls-In-ICT Initiative, one of the Ministry’s flagship programs, seeks to equip young girls with practical digital skills and introduce them to the vast opportunities within the ICT sector.
The initiative also aims to address gender disparity in STEM fields and encourage greater female participation in Ghana’s digital economy.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP) speaking about the 2025 rollout, stated: “This year’s program represents our commitment to building inclusive digital skills and creating future leaders in tech.
By expanding in-person sessions to all participants, we’re ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn, engage, and grow with hands-on support from professionals and mentors”.
Participants in this year’s training will receive instruction in coding, basic computer operations, cybersecurity and creative digital tools.
The programme also features mentorship sessions with women in tech, ICT competitions and career development workshops designed to build confidence and spark innovation among the girls.
According to the Minister, empowering girls today with ICT skills will transform communities and drive national development. The initiative is a key part of Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda, which emphasizes equitable access to digital tools and education for all citizens.
About the Girls In ICT Initiative:
The Girls-in-ICT (GIICT) Initiative was introduced in Ghana in 2012. It is an initiative by the International Telecommunications Union to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the growing field of ICT.
