‘Celebrate responsibly’ — Youth Minister warns against risky Valentine’s Day choices
The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has urged young Ghanaians to mark Valentine’s Day responsibly, warning against behaviours that could jeopardise their health, safety and prospects.
In a press release issued ahead of the February 14 celebration, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, called on the youth to uphold values of respect, self-care and mutual support.
The Minister expressed concern over what he described as rising levels of substance abuse, teenage pregnancies and HIV infections among young people, noting that such trends pose serious threats to their well-being and long-term aspirations.
He urged young people to steer clear of drugs and excessive alcohol consumption, and cautioned against offering sex as a Valentine’s Day gift. Instead, he encouraged them to celebrate the occasion through positive and thoughtful gestures, such as giving chocolate to loved ones.
The Ministry further appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to play an active role in guiding young people towards responsible decisions, particularly during festive periods when peer pressure may be heightened.
It stressed that safeguarding the health and future of young Ghanaians requires a collective effort, adding that the country’s next generation of leaders must be protected from avoidable risks.
Valentine’s Day, widely associated with expressions of love and affection, has in recent years also been linked to public health concerns, prompting repeated calls from authorities for restraint and responsible conduct among the youth.
