Kumasi, Feb 14, GNA - The public outcry expressing disgust and displeasure on the immoral manner in which Saint Valentine's Day, an originally chaste occasion was celebrated seem to have made some positive impact.

The general noisy and crowdy euphoria coupled with the red apparel donned by young people that dotted the streets, which in the previous years characterized the event, are no longer visible, though exchange of gifts is going among loved ones on the quiet.

However, one cannot rule out the fact that the red outfits signifying "honeymoon" and the revelry, which are normal features of Valentine's Day, have been deferred to night time. This year, condoms and red linen are not in short supply because demand has not risen as was confirmed by a few chemist shops and clothes sellers that the GNA contacted.

The situation could be due to the intensified public education on the original philosophy behind the occasion and some measures put in place by educational institutions to curb illicit connubial activities and promiscuity that always went with the commemoration of the day.

As a measure, heads of second-cycle schools have decided not to grant exeats to students on Valentine's Day, while civil society and women advocacy groups also organized seminars in second cycle schools to sensitise the youth on the real meaning of the day and how it should be celebrated, bringing to the fore, the actual import of the day which is exchange of gifts among loved ones and showing love and care to the needy and destitute.