Guinness World Records has marked Valentine’s Day by celebrating a couple’s unique achievement for exchanging the highest number of kisses in 30 seconds.

Joshua Saunders and his partner, Jenny, set the record last year after completing the challenge within half a minute. The achievement gained renewed attention after the records body shared the moment on X as part of this year’s Valentine’s Day celebrations.

A short video accompanying the post captured the couple exchanging rapid kisses during their record attempt. The clip has since circulated widely online, drawing attention as a playful display of affection and friendly competition.

Sharing the video, Guinness World Records wrote: “Happy Valentine’s Day! Last year, Joshua Saunders set a record for the most kisses in 30 seconds by a pair with his partner, Jenny.”

The post attracted thousands of reactions from social media users, with many commending the couple’s enthusiasm and congratulating them on their achievement.

The recognition forms part of global Valentine’s Day celebrations, highlighting the creative ways couples express and celebrate love.

Whenever Valentine’s Day comes around, people often think of expressing love, exchanging romantic gifts, heart-shaped symbols, and dressing in shades of red or pink.

In recent times, Ghanaian society has marked the day as a National Chocolate Day celebration.

But what exactly is the story behind this day?

The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to 268–270 AD in the Roman Empire, during the short reign of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. A Christian martyr, St. Valentine, lived and served as a priest during this period.

Historical accounts suggest that St. Valentine secretly performed marriage ceremonies for Christian couples, defying the Emperor’s decree that prohibited marriage.

Claudius had banned young men from marrying, believing that unmarried men made better soldiers since they had no wives or families to worry about when called to war.

Eventually, St. Valentine was arrested by Roman soldiers and imprisoned while awaiting execution.

During his imprisonment, he grew close to the jailer’s daughter and, according to legend, healed her blindness through prayer. On the day of his execution, St. Valentine left her a farewell note signed “from your Valentine”, a gesture that inspired the tradition of sending love notes and flowers on Valentine’s Day.

St. Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD, and buried near the Via Flaminia. Couples who had been married by him began commemorating his sacrifice, and over time, the day became associated with love and romance.

By the 18th century in England and France, Valentine’s Day had evolved into an occasion for couples to express affection through gifts, flowers, and greeting cards.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide as one of the most iconic events dedicated to love. As February 14 approaches, while you share love with your special ones, remember the man whose courage and compassion gave birth to this tradition.

As the red-and-white bunting goes up across Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale, the annual last-minute scramble for the perfect Valentine’s Day gesture between lovers begins.

For some, the preparation began at the beginning of February, as soon as their pockets were filled with their monthly salaries after Detty December swallowed every note and coin in their bank accounts and MoMo wallets.

In 2026, the Ghanaian romantic landscape has shifted away from generic imports toward high-end, locally crafted experiences and artisanal luxury.

The taste for foreign goods has gradually dwindled, with many embracing homegrown pleasure moments on the back of a boost in local attractions and hidden gems unveiled to the world.

Whether you are navigating the chic boutiques of East Legon or planning a quiet evening at home, these five gift ideas promise to transform the fourteenth of February into an unforgettable celebration of love.

1. The 'Gold' of Ghana: Artisanal luxury chocolates

Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer and the leader in premium cocoa, but the real romance lies in our recent "Bean-to-Bar" revolution. Forget the mass-produced bars; this year is all about handcrafted, luxury confectionery.

Brands like 57 Chocolate, Moments, Bioko, and customised sensual chocolates that melt the heart by Cocobytes offer elegantly packaged gift boxes.

Look for collections featuring Adinkra-themed chocolates, where symbols like Akoma (the heart) are embossed directly onto the cocoa, representing deep-seated love and patience or go for customised chocolates with the photo of your lover, carefully delivered by Cocobytes.

High-end retailers such as Shoprite or Palace, and speciality boutiques in Labone or Chocolate Mall in Dzorwulu, can do the trick.

2. Bespoke Heritage: Personalised Kente and Smock accessories

For a gift that feels deeply personal and culturally resonant, contemporary Ghanaian fashion accessories are the ultimate power gift.

Instead of a traditional full cloth, opt for modern pieces like Kente-bound luxury journals, silk-lined smock (fugu) ties, or bespoke laptop sleeves.

It combines the prestige of Ghanaian heritage with everyday functionality, ensuring your lover thinks of you throughout their professional day.

3. The Great Escape: A romantic retreat to the Volta Lake

If your love language is quality time, trading the humidity and bustling, stressful aura in the capital for the cool breezes of Akosombo or the Volta Region is a classic move that never fails.

The Royal Senchi, Bridgeview Resort, or The Peninsula Resort offer breathtaking views that rival any international destination.

A private sunset boat cruise under the Adomi Bridge provides the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt conversation—or even a life-changing question.

4. Self-Care Sanctuary: Luxury African skincare hampers

The 2026 wellness trend is all about glow-up kits using indigenous ingredients. Ghana’s organic beauty sector is now a global leader in ethical luxury.

Build a hamper featuring R&R Luxury’s Glow Oil, Nokware Skincare’s shea-based butter, or Hamamat’s raw golden shea.

Include a hand-woven sapɔ (exfoliating sponge) and liquid black soap for an authentic spa experience at home.

5. The Ultimate Intimacy: A private chef dining experience

With popular restaurants in Osu, East Legon and Cantonments usually overbooked, many are choosing the exclusivity of their own dining rooms.

Hire a professional private chef to curate a Gourmet Ghanaian fusion menu.

Imagine Jollof Arancini starters, followed by Grilled Tilapia and a dessert of Hibiscus-infused (Sobolo) Poached Pears.

It offers a level of privacy and personalisation that even the finest five-star hotel cannot replicate.