By Gifty Amofa
Accra, June 21, GNA – Fathers have been urged to be responsible and avoid decisions that could negatively affect the future of their children.
The Reverend Deladem Dogbatse of the Kharis Empowerment Centre at Sakumono said fatherhood went beyond bringing a child into the world.
“Fathers have a duty to lead, teach, provide for and protect their children, whether biological or adopted, from the dangers of childhood and guide them safely into adulthood,” he said.
Rev. Dogbatse gave the advice on Sunday at a service to commemorate Father’s Day, celebrated annually in June.
He said although fathers were not perfect, they could positively shape the lives of their children by living exemplary lives and teaching values worthy of emulation to help them become responsible citizens.
Highlighting traits fathers should avoid, he cautioned against being selfish, favouritist, neglectful or unloving.
On selfish fathers, he said such men often made decisions that served only their personal interests.
He cited Lot in the Bible, who offered his daughters to a mob pursuing his male visitors.
Speaking on favouritism, Rev. Dogbatse noted that it often bred resentment and division among siblings.
Referring to Genesis, he said Jacob’s open preference for Joseph demonstrated through the gift of a richly ornamented coat, contributed to Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery.
He also cautioned fathers against abandoning their children or failing to provide them with the guidance and discipline needed to become productive members of society.
He cited Eli as an example, noting that although Eli was a respected man of God, he neglected his household, resulting in the wayward behaviour of his sons.
Rev. Dogbatse advised fathers to work closely with their wives in raising their children to ensure balanced development.
He said fathers should avoid undermining their spouses by issuing instructions that contradicted those given by their wives and should instead present a united front in parenting.
He further encouraged parents to pray with their children, teach them the Word of God and live according to Christian principles.
Father’s Day traces its origins to 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia, in the United States, where a church held a memorial service to honour 362 men who died in a coal mine explosion.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe