By Paul Eduarko Richardson
Accra, June 29, GNA – Mr Samuel Appiah-Danquah, a member of The Maker’s House Chapel International (TMHCI), has emphasised the vital role of fathers, describing them as powerful role models in the lives of their children.
Quoting Proverbs 20:7, he urged fathers to live with integrity so their children could learn positive values from them.
“Integrity is what you do when nobody is looking at you,” he said in Sunday during a Father’s Day commemoration at the TMHCI auditorium, Destiny Arena, Kwabenya, near Accra.
“Children look up to us. So our actions, our inactions and the preferences we make have an influence on our children,” he added.
Father’s Day, celebrated annually in June, honours fathers for their significant role in child upbringing, family leadership, and societal development.
Mr. Appiah-Danquah described fatherhood as a profound responsibility entrusted by God, adding: “As fathers, you cannot let God down.”
He said fatherhood, being a divine mandate, requires men to seek God’s wisdom through prayer and study of the Word to parent effectively.
“A wise father doesn’t just know the Word; he lives it, showing his children what it means to walk with God and apply His truths daily, “he stated.
Highlighting the importance of presence, Mr. Appiah-Danquah said fathers must be actively involved in their children’s lives, both during ordinary times and on special occasions, so children could feel their love, care and attention.
He called for intentional parenting, saying fathers must lead with purpose and leave a lasting legacy that blesses both present and future generations.
Describing parenting as a long-term commitment, Mr. Appiah-Danquah urged fathers to be consistent and diligent in correcting, directing, strengthening and shaping their children.
On discipline, he advised that it should stem from love, not anger or hatred.
“By all means, let’s discipline our children – but let’s make sure the discipline we are giving to our children is a correctionary measure.
“Don’t crush them. If you crush them, eventually, they become timid and will affect their learning and their growth,” he cautioned.
Mr. Appiah-Danquah encouraged fathers to understand their children in order to create an atmosphere of cooperation at home, which he said was key to effective parenting.
As spiritual leaders of the home, he urged fathers to lead in prayer and model dependence on God through regular family devotions and Bible study.
“Your faithfulness, not perfection, sets the spiritual tone for your family. Lead by example, and watch your family thrive in faith,” he said.
The event featured an interactive session involving the congregation and a panel, during which participants highlighted the need for fathers to be technologically savvy in order to monitor their children’s online activity and ensure cyber safety.
Others called on fathers to build strong bonds with their children from infancy and share in household responsibilities to ease the burden on their spouses.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey