February, the month of love, as Ghanaians fondly call it, is just around the corner. And by divine machinations or clever timing, Valentine’s Day, the ultimate day for couples, falls on a Friday this year. Fridays in Ghana, are sacredly cherished as a day for enjoyment and recreation, by a section of Ghanaians if not all, making this year’s Valentine’s celebration even more special.
A quick search reveals that Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, originated as a Christian feast day honouring a martyr named Valentine who lived in Rome. However, in Accra, and almost everywhere, Valentine’s Day is celebrated for entirely different reasons, particularly among those in romantic relationships. It is a time when couples feel pressured to go the extra mile to prove their love and commitment to their partners.
Let me give you newbies a brief melodramatic breakdown of what typically unfolds in Accra’s dating pool on Valentine’s Day.
Scene I: The Certified Lover Girls
For the certified lover girls in this act, Valentine’s Day is a sacred time to rekindle their love and relationships romantically. With the allure of extravagant gifts as an affirmation of profound affection from their partners, these women will perceive their men as thoughtful and intentional. Bouquets of roses, a night out at plush restaurants to wine and dine, and the performative “Would you be my Valentine?” aesthetics are paraded on social media by their partners for digital hugs and public adoration. Every eye must witness the caring and chivalrous man the daughters of Eve have found. He has done what many nonchalant men fail to do. He might not get anything in return to appreciate his efforts, but her Friday night will be climaxed in a display of pure love.
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Scene II: The Have-Nots
The stage lights slowly fade to reveal other shaky relationships in different parts of Accra on the same Friday night. Cupid hangs in the clouds, looking down sadly as he puts away all his heart-tipped arrows in his love quiver. There is no chance his arrows will pierce the hearts of anyone in these parts.
A pensive mood looms over the less fortunate male characters. They are keenly aware of what’s happening on social media and what the other men have done. Madam has already dropped hints since January about what she wants for Valentine’s Day. Two years ago, he failed to surprise her with gifts, and this year tells the same story. Meanwhile, her bosses and male colleagues have sent gifts and planned getaways. All he has to offer is his heart and feelings.
He expresses this to her, but she storms out angrily and switches off her phone. Within two hours, her WhatsApp status is filled with subliminal memes aimed at him:
- “If he wanted to, he would.”
- “Choose intentional men who put your needs first.”
- “Pray for a man who understands your love language.”
Later that night, he sees another post: a video of her at a resort with a faceless man whose hands are only visible. She is smiling, enjoying herself. Soon, he receives the perilous text: “I can’t do this anymore. Let’s break up.”
Prologue
She has recalibrated her affection to the highest magnitude for another man. He screams, “Herh, Accra!” and lies down quietly. Breakfast and dinner have been served all at once, on a Friday night, live in Accra.