By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), May 11, GNA – Togbui Dzablu IV, the Awafia of Kpando Dzawoe in the Volta Region, has call for a new and unified approach to honouring parents, as the world prepares to celebrate this year’s Mother’s Day.
He said the new approach must be one that transcended traditional separations between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
He believed it was time to adopt International Parents’ Day as a consolidated celebration that recognised the shared and unique contributions of all parents in shaping society.
In an interview with Ghana News Agency (GNA), Togbui Dzablu, said while Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations respectively, were rooted in well-meaning intentions, they often reflected outdated family structures and inadvertently created a hierarchy of parental importance.
This, he said, could lead to imbalances in how society viewed the roles of mothers and fathers.
“Children benefit from the involvement of both parents, regardless of their gender or role. Every parent contributes in unique and valuable ways to the growth and wellbeing of their children,” he said.
He emphasised that in most homes, mothers were often seen as nurturing figures who offered emotional support, while fathers were perceived as providers and protectors.
However, these roles were not fixed and could vary widely across households, and in single-parent families, blended families, or homes with non-traditional dynamics, both parents may share all responsibilities equally, making it crucial to acknowledge their efforts together, he said.
“By celebrating parents jointly, we do not only recognise these varying contributions but also help children develop a more balanced appreciation for both caregivers,” Togbui Dzablu added.
The traditional practice of holding separate days for mothers and fathers could unintentionally foster emotional gaps – particularly among fathers, who may feel less celebrated or appreciated.
Togbui Dzablu cited research indicating that fathers who feel disconnected from their children were more likely to experience mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, which could ultimately affect family dynamics and stability.
“We shouldn’t create a culture where one parent feels secondary. Every effort to raise a child should be honored equally,” he said.
He further explained that due to societal expectations and work patterns, mothers often spent more time with their children, while fathers, who may be working long hours to provide were sometimes perceived as distant.
A unified celebration would also offer mothers the opportunity to help children to understand and appreciate the critical role their fathers play.
Togbui Dzablu laid out several compelling benefits of adopting International Parents’ Day as a global celebration: including Promoting Equal Appreciation, Supporting Diverse Family Structures, Strengthening Family Bonds, Raising Awareness as well as Creating New Traditions and Inclusive Rituals.
“Let us move beyond the notion that one parent is more important than the other. Let’s champion a celebration that honors the shared love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of all parents.”
He encouraged stakeholders in education, media, and governance to support the formal recognition of International Parents’ Day and help institutionalise it through community engagement, policy advocacy, and public education.
International Parents’ Day offers a fresh, inclusive, and forward-thinking perspective on celebrating parenthood.
By honouring all parents in one united celebration, society can foster greater appreciation, equality, and harmony within the family unit.
It’s time to recognize the full spectrum of parenthood and celebrate the shared journey of raising the next generation together.
GNA
MA/CAA