The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Abdul-Fatawu Atinga has expressed some disquiet about the negative perception and mode of celebration of Valentine’s Day.
He also expressed some level of regret that some drivers and conductors were engaged in amorous relationships all in the name of celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Mr. Atinga explained that due to the negative ideas that surround the day, rumours were rife about the sighting of used condoms on the streets, in gutters and even in parked vehicles; a situation that calls for concern.
“It was rumoured that in the past after Valentine’s Day, condoms were found on the streets, in gutters, and even in vehicles. But such practices are not acceptable”, the Upper East Regional Chairman of GPRTU stated.
Mr. Atinga said this when the Ghana Tourism Authority visited the Bolgatanga lorry station to distribute chocolates in commemoration of the National Chocolate Day. He used the opportunity to advise drivers to continue to follow road safety tips to reduce accidents on the roads.
“Drivers play a critical role in the growth of the economy and therefore we should be extra careful and take our passengers safely to their destination. Chocolate gives us the peace of mind for us to drive safely. What I also want to advise drivers is that you should not engage in alcoholism, unsafe driving that puts the lives of other road users in danger.”
To help promote the consumption of chocolate in the country, the Ghana Tourism Authority in the Upper East Region distributed chocolate to bus drivers, conductors, and traders at the Bolgatanga main lorry station. The distribution of chocolate which took place on Tuesday 14th February was in observance of National Chocolate Day.
The Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority Wisdom Ahadzi said chocolate symbolises love and hence the decision of the authority to encourage the public to eat it.
“Chocolate is a symbol of love and since the day is separate aside for lovers, we think it goes with chocolate.”
The National Chocolate Day was instituted in 2005 to promote the consumption of chocolate and cocoa products produced in Ghana. Mr. Ahadzi who distributed chocolate and drinks prepared from cocoa products to the public mentioned that aside from its health benefits, the consumption of chocolate helps to improve the Ghanaian economy and creates jobs.
The 2023 edition of the National Chocolate Day was on the theme: “Eat chocolate, stay healthy, grow Ghana”.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah & Mark Smith|Ghana
