By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Nungua, Feb. 12, GNA – Madam Agnes Miriam Aflakpui, a Presbyter at the Hope Chapel, Global Evangelical Church, Sakumono, has called on parents who have abandoned their children to use the month of love to resume the care for their children.
Madam Aflakpui said February, which was also known as the month of love, should be a time for all parents to show care and commitment to their families, putting aside all that had happened in the past and caused pain, to make amends, and rebuild broken relationships.
She made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), to address the growing concern of parental neglect.
She said many children were suffering from emotional and financial hardship due to the absence of their parents, particularly fathers, who had abandoned their families.
Madam Aflakpui reminded parents that true love went beyond romantic gestures in February; therefore, such love should be extended towards the upbringing of their children, saying, while many people celebrate Valentine’s Day with their partners, other were left to struggle without proper care.
The Presbyter also mentioned that love was not only about giving flowers and chocolates to spouses; but also, about ensuring that children had good food, shelter, clothing and better education.
She referenced the Bible, quoting John 3:16 and Hebrews 9:22, emphasising that it was crucial to demonstrate the love of Christ in everything including showing love to children who were deemed as gifts from God, and nurture them with love and discipline.
Madam Aflakpui said parental neglect had led to an increase in streetism and school dropouts, explaining that children who lack proper parental guidance often end up in difficult situations, sometimes turning to crime or substance abuse.
She encouraged churches, community leaders, and social organisations to step in and support children affected by parental neglect, also calling on the government to strengthen child protection laws and ensure that parents who neglect their responsibilities face consequences.
Madam Aflakpui also appealed to children holding grudges against their parents to forgive them, to avoid missing their parental blessings.
GNA