Relax, if you hear a weird trumpet sound coming from nowhere on the 14th of February anywhere in Ghana. Someone in love is surprising their beloved on Valentine’s Day, so it’s not the rapture (hopefully).

You may be single on any given day, but being single on February 14th, almost feels like you’re a felon in Ghana. Every year on February 14th, the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, and Ghanaians certainly like to do the most on this occasion.

Why is Valentine's Day even celebrated?

Valentine’s Day in Ghana (or how Ghanaian’s love to say: Vals Day) is a day lovers celebrate by exchanging presents, going on romantic dates, and doing everything possible to express their love to another.
While most countries observe Valentine’s Day, diverse cultures have established their unique practices for this occasion.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in various regions of the world as a day to show love amongst family members and friends, rather than romantic couples.
Some customs include leaving sweets and presents for children, while others include gestures of gratitude amongst friends.

Valentine’s Day is most popularly linked with romantic love, with millions of Valentine’s Day cards being given each year. Flowers or a single red rose are delivered to loved ones with romantic notes, and couples spend special time together.

Chocolate on Valentine’s Day

When discussing Valentine’s Day in Ghana, it is necessary to bring up the subject of chocolate day. The Ghana Tourism Authority established the Chocolate Day (also known as National Chocolate Day) in 2005 to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

The festival aims to increase domestic consumption of Ghanaian chocolate and other cocoa-based goods, promote domestic tourism, and provide a healthy perspective to Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Since the inception of Ghana’s National Chocolate Day in 2005, the campaign has tried to redirect the youth’s attention away from sexual activities and toward expressing love to their loved ones through the gifting of chocolate which will eventually result in the increase of the product internally.

Due to this initiative, enough resources have been pumped into adding value to the cocoa produced in Ghana and also into the chocolate production industries.

At the start of the celebration, the Minister mentioned Ghana’s low consumption of cocoa goods, despite the fact that the nation was the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa, and expressed optimism that the institution of the day would stimulate consumption among Ghanaians.

The famous Kingsbite chocolate, Coffee choc and portem pride are a few of the chocolate-making brands that are the results of the national chocolate day initiative.

The idea of gift-giving

Days like Valentine’s Day boost economic activity in Ghana, as well as in other areas of the world, because people go out to spend money to have fun.

In fact, once February approaches, many people can’t wait for the day to come. Teddy bears, flowers, and chocolates are among the items that achieve an all-time high in sales.

Some sellers also sell gift baskets and bundles that may include sneakers, shirts, fragrances, and other items.
These may be ordered and delivered to the house of anybody you wish to send them to.

Shopping isn’t the only thing that increases as a result of Valentine’s Day; maternity services in the next nine months also increase (November borns, we are talking about you!).

Common activities on Valentine’s Day in Ghana

We can’t talk about Valentine’s Day in Ghana without including religious activities.

Religious organizations, such as churches, host get-togethers, seminars, and gatherings. These events are mostly geared toward young people.

They are educated about the religious aspect of Valentine’s Day, as well as the idea of giving and unselfish love.

However, the day does not come to an end without a little partying and fun. Couples and individuals who observe the day go out to enjoy the day on beaches, hotels and clubs.

Here is a list of places where you can spend your Valentine’s Day in Ghana.

1. Aburi Botanical Garden

On Valentine’s Day in Ghana, you can take a walk around the lovely lawns filled with imported and local flowers in Accra, it includes unique types of flowers and gorgeous landscapes intended to make it a great site for a couple’s valentine.
You and your sweetheart may enjoy a leisurely stroll around the garden, arm in arm, savoring the breathtaking environment.

(Click here to read about Affordable Date Ideas in Accra!)

2. Labadi Pleasure Beach & Labadi Beach Hotel

On Valentine’s Day, this is the ideal spot to watch the sun set in a romantic atmosphere. You and your significant other may enjoy exquisite jazz music and horseback riding along the shore here.

In the evening, you may head to the 5-star Labadi beach hotel for the perfect night to cap off an unforgettable day. It boasts wonderfully constructed apartments with a view of the sea and a nightly sea breeze.

3. Holy Trinity Spa

Nothing screams Valentine’s day like a stress-free date with your significant other in Ghana. If you agree with us, then Holy Trinity Spa in Sogakope (Volta Region) is the ideal location for you.

On Valentine’s Day, Holy Trinity Spa provides everything you could possibly want. This spa is well-known for its honeymoon packages. They offer massages, beauty treatments and activities for two.

It’s located along the Volta Lake, so you may take a canoe excursion or have an escort take you and your partner on a boat tour.

4. Aqua Safari

To celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ghana, you can visit the Aqua Safari in Ada, which is located in the Greater Accra area.

A one-of-a-kind hotel where you will appreciate the George’s surroundings with your significant other while having the best time to explore the beautiful scenery in Ada.

5. Accra Zoo

The Accra Zoo is a small zoo located within the Achimota Conservation Area and is a beautiful place to go for a nice stroll and have good conversations. It also serves as a breeding habitat for endangered primates, and the creatures are easily accessible.

On such a special day, it’s unquestionably the finest area to have a peaceful walk, connect with nature and enjoy a lovely walk for adventurous couple.

And finally...

Despite all of the images and sights of couples enjoying a great time together. Remember that Valentine’s Day isn’t only about you and your significant other.

At the end of the day, love is what holds us together. Friends, family, bosses, orphans, the underprivileged, and society as a whole all play an important role in the celebration.

A classic story says that a police officer once questioned a passerby who he was going to spend Valentine’s Day with. It’s amusing.
In Ghana, Cupid holds a handgun rather than a bow. This simply goes to show how much everyone cares about each other, and it’s good to show someone love or an act of gratitude on such a beautiful day.