Father's Day is a celebration which honors fathers and father-like figures. It also celebrates fatherhood,paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society. This day serves as a means to reflect over what fathers have done and the need to show gratitude to them. On days like this, some individuals arrange for presents including electronics,greetings cards,hampers,special dinners and family-oriented activities for their fathers. Truly, fathers deserve to be honored on special days like this.
However,celebration of Father's Day over the years, has not received maximum attention from many individuals. I became a bit surprised when i got to know some friends were unaware of this year's celebration on June 19th. Those who knew about the day were not willing to talk about it. They claim their fathers haven't done much in their up-bringing to deserve a commendation. Generally in Africa, many individuals have raised similar concerns about some fathers not playing their roles as expected.
The United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the child (Adopted in 1989 and Ratified in 1990 by UN member states) clearly states in article 18 that, parents(father and mother) have a joint responsibility in raising up their children. But as it is now, it seems most of the parental roles had been left for mothers alone to carry them out.On 18th June 2011(a day before Father's Day was marked), Joy FM, a private radio station in Accra reported the arrest of an 18 year-old teenage mother who allegedly burred her day-old baby in the Northern part of Ghana. Through interrogation by the police,the girl said she was compelled to do so because the man who impregnated her ran away. In my candid opinion, this to a large extent,wouldn't have happened if the gentleman accepted responsibility of that pregnancy. This is just one out of many instances where some fathers have abandoned their fatherly roles and cared less for the growth of their families.
What ever the case may be, I still strongly believe that Father's Day must be embraced by all. We need to appreciate and show gratitude to hardworking fathers. Some have really been able to look after their children very well -Being caring,loving and instilling discipline in their wards.
I hope this day will serve as a 'wake-up' call to fathers who are not performing their roles as expected. They should reflect over what ever they have done in the past years and try to carry out their roles well in the family. "Two heads are better than one" it is often said;or better still, "it takes two to tango". Mothers can't do it all alone. We need fathers on board to holistically raise children in the right way. Fathers must learn to spend quality time with their children and make sure they get the best in life.
From the deepest part of my heart, I say happy Father's Day to all fathers and father-like figures!
Interesting points which correspond to my own experience. There are indeed hard-working fathers who live with their children and care and love them. I've met them. But I was surprised to hear yesterday that a friend has never met his father. So many women have been given the burden of earning money and raising children. In the UK we felt we could always spot a child who'd been raised by his mother because he had a slightly gentler and more sensive approach to others - a positive thing.
ReplyDeleteThe issue I'm coming away with after reading your article is the necessity for planned parenthood. Women need to take this into their own hands (the percentage of women asking for contraception in Ghana is very small compared to other parts of Africa) The subject of masculinity needs to be tackled within the education system to influence culture and religion. There's more to being a man than running around creating babies.
I agree with you Mr. Graham Knight.Even though the number of women who seek contraception in Ghana is very small, i must add that Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health issues have also not received the needed attention in the country.Women having in-depth knowledge on contraception will make them take informed decisions in life.
ReplyDeleteIn a society where prestige is attached to girls who get pregnant at a very tender age,I believe knowledge on contraceptives will make it difficult for certain men to take undue advantage of innocent girls. Commitment and education is the way Forward.Happy Belated Father's day to you.
And thanks for reading and adding your views to the article.