Some traders in the Central Business District of Accra on Monday complained about the low patronage of gifts and souvenirs ahead of Valentine�s Day celebration on Tuesday, February 14 as compared to last year.
Madam Joyce Commey, a shop owner at Tema Station told the Ghana News Agency that customers hardly came around to buy valentine gifts, saying patronage for the past two years had been bad.
She said since Valentine�s Day was officially made Chocolate Day, in Ghana, most people had shifted their attention to the purchase of chocolate instead of teddy bears, wine, jewelries and cards that used to be the preferred gifts in the past.
Madam Commey, said although there had been low publicity about this year's celebration, she was however, optimistic that patronage would improve on the D-day.
Ms Esther Yeboah, another trader said she had not sold any of her Valentine items since she opened her shop in the morning, adding that customers only asked of prices of items but did not buy.
She said since Monday was a day to Valentine�s Day, she was hoping patronage would improve by the close of the day, saying: �We have invested in these products and if they are not bought by tomorrow we would lose some of our investment."
Mrs Agnes Odartey, a shop attendant explained that even though chocolate was assumed the preferable choice for Valentine�s Day in Ghana, its patronage had not been encouraging. She said most people only asked of the prices and leave without buying, saying �They often ask of the price and when you tell them, they say the price is too high�.
Mrs Odartey attributed the low level of patronage to the African Cup of Nations, but was hopeful that since the tournament had ended customers would come to buy more of her goods.
Ms Selasi Agbo, a student said she did not see anything unique about Valentine's Day because she was more concerned about her studies. She said she heard most of her colleagues talking about it but had given very little attention to it and would not mind if she did not receive any gift from anyone.
Mr Alex Copson, a teacher said although he was aware of Valentine's Day, he was yet to decide on what to buy for his wife, but was sure would definitely surprise her with a gift.
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