News
Preparations towards Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day souvenirs and other items for the occasion was quite low when The Spectator visited Accra Central and Kaneshie Markets.
Meanwhile at Tesano other gift shops had displayed a number of gift hampers for customers to purchase for their lovers.
The display of latest trends of women and men clothing, shoes and accessories were on display as well.
A number of customers were seen stocking their basket with gifts at some of the shops visited ahead of February 14.
Some traders who spoke off record said sales had been poor since the beginning of the year, and will not be surprised if the same thing happens on Valentine’s Day.
“I didn’t want to take that risk at all because things are hard and people are not willing to spend on Valentine’s Day,” a shop owner disclosed.
Regardless of the less colourful preparations for the occasion, the season is also getting its common feature of gifts ranging from perfumes, chocolates, wine, and cards, among others.
“People don’t appear to be interested in the teddy bears and other hampers they have wrapped for the celebration because when you tell them the price, they just walk away or buy toffees, chocolate and go,” some traders added.
“The system is already hard and there is no money. Some of us would be working on Wednesday so Valentine doesn’t really excite us.”
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
