1. Valentine’s Day & National Chocolate Day
As today is February 14, Ghana is celebrating National Chocolate Day.
- **The “Chocolate Over Sex” Debate: The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, is trending for his viral plea to the youth to “offer chocolates, not sex,” urging responsible celebrations.
- Events: Major hubs like the University of Ghana are hosting the Telecel TurnUp, while others are flocking to Soho for the Nkyinkyim Band’s romantic showcase.
- Gift Trends: Media personality Nana Aba Anamoah is trending for her lighthearted “No more boxers and singlets” warning to ladies regarding gifts for men.
2. Politics: President Mahama at the AU Summit
President John Dramani Mahama is currently in Addis Ababa for the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU).
- Gender & Reparations: He is leading high-level discussions on gender equality and reparations for Africa.
- The “Addis Reckoning”: Mahama is set to host a major breakfast event focused on fiscal space and the AfCFTA, which is being closely watched by the business community back home.
3. Social Media Uproar: The “Russian Scandal”
A major scandal is trending across X (Twitter) and TikTok involving an alleged Russian national accused of luring and filming Ghanaian women in compromising situations.
- Public figures like Reggie Rockstone have weighed in, and there are growing calls from MPs for a full investigation into the matter.
4. Health: The “No Bed Syndrome” Probe
The Ministry of Health has launched a formal probe into recent deaths linked to the “No Bed Syndrome” at major hospitals like Korle Bu and Ridge. This follows a tragic hit-and-run incident where a victim was reportedly turned away by three different hospitals before passing away.
5. Economy & Cocoa
- New Cocoa Prices: The government has officially set the new farmgate cocoa price at GH₵41,392 per tonne for the remainder of the season to support farmers against global price volatility.
- Fuel Prices: There is anxiety on the horizon as fuel prices are projected to increase starting February 16 due to the cedi’s recent depreciation.
6. Sports & Entertainment
- Thomas Partey: The Black Stars midfielder is in the headlines following reports of new legal charges in the UK.
- Music Charts: Samini’s new album ORIGIN8A is climbing the charts (currently No. 7 on Apple Music), while Kwabena Kwabena’s “Aso II” remains the top song in the country.
- IShowSpeed: The popular American streamer is trending after reacting to being “granted” a Ghanaian passport and a shoutout from the President, confirming a return visit.
