First ever public debate on Valentine's Day held in Accra

Greater Accra Regional Library Readers Club, a group of Ghana Library Authority (GLA) has organised the first ever public debate on the perception of Valentine’s Day celebration in Accra.

The debate, which was opened to the general public at the premises of GLA was on the theme: “Valentine’s Day perceived as a day for sexual activities”.

Mr Alhassan Abdul Farli, Coordinator of the club, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency explained that the topic was chosen to educate the public on how the principal motive behind the celebration had been diverted.

Mr Addeah Prempeh, Acting President and Principal Speaker for the motion, argued that it was unfortunate how the day had been perceived by the public as a day for sexual activities, adding that it was clear how people engaged in sexual activities on Valentine’s Day.

“You always hear reports on condom shortage, high intake of alcohol and indecent dressing on Valentine's Day,“ he added.

Mr Derrick Boateng, Principal Speaker against the motion, said Valentine’s Day was a day on which Ghanaians sacrificed and showed care to loved ones.

“It is never true that the day is perceived as a day for sexual activities, it would take ignorance for anybody to say that simply because the history behind the celebration tells it all,” he added.

Mr Guy Amarteifio, Greater Accra Regional Director of GLA, said the club aims at researching and debating on issues of national interest.

He noted that it was the first of its kind but the club had held debates on homosexuality.

Mr Amarteifio pointed out that the club was prepared to entertain, inform and serve the interest of the community in which it operates.

He urged interested persons to register in other to widen the scope of the club for sustainable development.

Members who spoke for the motion emerged as winners.