Accra: Fathers have called for greater recognition of their role in family life as Ghana prepares to mark Father's Day on Sunday, June 21. They said their sacrifices and responsibilities were often overlooked compared to those of mothers.
According to Ghana News Agency, interviews with fathers revealed that changing social and economic conditions had affected their role in child upbringing, particularly their involvement in the daily lives of their children. Mr Elvis Frempong emphasized that fatherhood was primarily about responsibility and commitment rather than public recognition. He stated that the celebration of Father's Day, whether in high or low spirits, is not an issue for him as fathers have inherent responsibilities that do not require recognition to be fulfilled.
Mr Frempong noted that the demands of modern life often kept fathers away from home for extended periods, resulting in mothers spending more time with children and consequently receiving greater appreciation. He observed that men are often busy, leading women to take on nearly all child-related responsibilities, which in turn gives more recognition to mothers.
Mr Clement Gyekye pointed out that some fathers were not appreciated because their contributions were not always visible to their children, especially in homes where parents were separated. He explained that while fathers may provide without the child's knowledge, mothers sometimes claim to be the sole providers, which paints a picture of an irresponsible father in the child's mind.
Mr Gyekye also mentioned that technological advancements have made it easier for fathers to maintain contact with their children, allowing them to reach out at any time, unlike previous generations who struggled with communication.
Mr Stephen Donkor highlighted that mothers often spent more time with children, making them more approachable and appreciated. He noted that mothers are usually more lenient in discipline, which draws children closer to them, whereas fathers are often feared due to their strictness.
Apostle Stephen Ofori also called for greater recognition of fathers, pointing out that many men carry enormous responsibilities while enduring personal struggles in silence. He emphasized that while women deserve appreciation, equal or even more attention should be given to men, as fathers carry the family on their shoulders and often battle silent struggles they rarely discuss.
Apostle Ofori acknowledged that while fathers today continue to fulfill their responsibilities, discipline was stricter in earlier generations, contributing to stronger adherence to family values. He urged for greater appreciation of fathers' contributions and encouraged men to remain committed to their roles as parents and role models.