Ghana’s Ministry of Youth Issues Valentine’s Day Advisory: “Celebrate with Respect, Not Risk”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, a season often associated with romantic gestures and celebration, Ghana’s Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has issued a message to the nation’s young people, urging them to prioritize their future health and well-being.
In an official press release, the Ministry, through its Public Relations Unit, framed the day not just as an occasion for love, but as an opportunity for reflection on “respect, responsibility, and care for one another.”
A Call for Conscious Celebration
The core of the Minister’s message is a call to action for the youth to celebrate in ways that are uplifting and empowering, steering clear of choices that could have long-term negative consequences. The advisory specifically highlights three critical areas of concern:
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Avoiding Substance Abuse: The Minister specifically cautioned young people against using drugs and alcohol. He warned that substance abuse not only “harms the body and mind,” but also actively undermines the aspirations of those destined to lead the nation in the future. Consequently, the message explicitly encourages the youth to observe the day as one entirely free from substance abuse.
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Combating Teenage Pregnancy: The release notes the “alarming” rates of teenage pregnancies, which pose a serious threat to the health, education, and future opportunities of young girls.
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Preventing HIV and other STIs: The Ministry also pointed to the rising number of HIV infections among the youth as a pressing concern requiring urgent and collective action to protect the nation’s future.
“Love That Builds, Not Destroys”
The statement features a direct quote from the Honorable Minister, who urged the youth to “cherish themselves, respect themselves, respect their bodies, and commit to choices that secure their future.”
In a notable piece of advice, the Minister encouraged a shift in how the day is celebrated, suggesting, “let us remember not to offer sex as a gift on this day but offer chocolate to a loved one.” This simple analogy serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize personal well-being over momentary pressures.
A Shared Responsibility
The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment emphasized that guiding the youth is not the job of the government alone.
The release concluded with a call to action for parents, guardians, educators, and community leaders to “join hands in guiding the youth towards positive choices.”
It acknowledged the increasing social pressures young people face. This also underscored the critical role that families, schools, and communities play in shaping the values and decisions of the next generation.
As a section of Ghana joins the world in celebrating love this February 14th, the government’s message serves as a reminder.
The greatest gift one can give is respect for oneself and a commitment to a healthy and secure future.
