Accra, Feb. 13, GNA - Some gift shop owners in Accra have accused some pastors for the low sales ahead of Saint Valentine’s Day celebration.

Mrs Tina Djang, Owner of CODAMS Gift Shop in an interview with the Ghana News Agency alleged that some pastors in the country had continuously preached against the celebration.

“Valentine period is used to be my reaping moments but now the euphoria that comes with the celebration has gone down with the constant crusade by pastors against it, yet they encourage members of their church to buy hampers prepared by their wives,” Mrs Djang claimed.

She maintained that sales had dropped as compared to last year, adding: “This year the items are very expensive.”

“Cost of hampers now range from GH?30 to GH?100. Customers enter the shop but don’t purchase anything therefore, I have not increased prices of greeting cards.”

Mrs Patience Tetteh, a vendor at Opera Square said celebration of Valentine's Day was gradually losing its significance adding that in the past preparation towards the celebration was interesting but the situation had changed.

St Valentine's Day, is observed on February 14 annually to honour a Christian martyr, St Valentine.

It is an occasion where people express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards among other gifts.

Meanwhile, Ghana Tourism Authority had officially declared February 14, a day for chocolate consumption.