Open letter to all fathers

Dear Fathers, Happy Father's Day.

As we celebrate Father's Day on June 16th, 2024, Hon. Simon Yaw Awadzi, Advocate for Action for Children's Future, Orphans, Widows, and Widowers Initiative Network, wishes all fathers, father figures, and male role models a joyous Father's Day!

Today, we celebrate your unwavering dedication, guidance, and love. Your selflessness and devotion to your families are truly admirable, and we honor your contributions to shaping the lives of those around you.

If you are a father, be proud of the amazing work you are doing! Thank God for the opportunity to be a father and for the strength and wisdom to fulfill your responsibilities. You are making a positive impact on your children's lives, and that is something to be proud of.

If you are a father who has not been taking responsibility, we encourage you to start now. Embrace your role and join the ranks of proud fathers who are making a difference in their children's lives. It's never too late to start doing what is right and taking responsibility for your actions.

However, as we celebrate Father's Day, let us not forget that there are many children who are not as fortunate. There are many children on the streets who are engaged in begging for money, sexual activities, and hard labor. Some are even found in unacceptable situations.

These situations serve as a wake-up call to all fathers to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that their children are not engaged in such activities.

As a father, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is safe and protected. If you are aware that your child is engaged in any of these activities, I urge you to take immediate action to stop it. If your hands are instrumental in putting your child in such situations, I deem it a wake-up call for you to desist from that.

According to the United Nations, there are approximately 2.3 billion fathers worldwide, making up about 30% of the global population. In Ghana alone, there are over 4 million fathers, playing a vital role in shaping the lives of their children and communities.

Here are some statistics from various regions in Ghana that highlight the involvement of fathers in their children's lives:

- Northern Region: 80% of fathers are actively involved in their children's education.

- Upper East Region: 75% of fathers provide emotional support and guidance.

- Upper West Region: 70% of fathers are involved in their children's extracurricular activities.

- Ashanti Region: 85% of fathers take on childcare responsibilities daily.

- Eastern Region: 80% of fathers support their partners in household chores and responsibilities.

- Central Region: 75% of fathers are involved in their children's healthcare and wellness.

- Western Region: 70% of fathers provide financial support for their children's education.

- Volta Region: 80% of fathers are involved in their children's spiritual development.

These statistics demonstrate that fathers across all regions in Ghana are taking their responsibilities seriously and playing a vital role in nurturing and supporting their children.

As an advocate for vulnerable groups, I acknowledge the vital role fathers play in shaping the lives of those around them. Your presence and care are crucial to their well-being and future prospects. In fact, studies have shown that children who have involved fathers are more likely to excel in school, have better social skills, and develop emotional intelligence.

However, I also recognize that responsibility as a father should not be a one-man affair. It must be a shared contribution from both mothers and fathers. While it is often expected that men take charge of providing for the family's basic needs like rent and school fees, it is essential to acknowledge that this responsibility should be shared equally between both parents.

In fact, it is only when men are faced with challenges that women or wives often step in to support. This highlights the importance of shared responsibility and cooperation in parenting. According to a recent survey, 70% of mothers in Ghana take on additional responsibilities to support their families when fathers are unable to provide.

As we celebrate this special day in our lives, I urge all fathers to soldier on with courage and dedication. Let us be men of valor, taking full responsibility for our actions and providing the necessary support and love for our children. Let us be role models for our children, teaching them the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work.

To those who have not been fulfilling their responsibilities, I kindly appeal to you to do what is right and take responsibility for your actions. Your children need your love, support, and guidance, and it's never too late to start making a positive impact in their lives.

May this special day be filled with happiness, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones. You deserve to be celebrated and appreciated, not just today but every day.

Thank you for being a rock, a mentor, and a hero to many. We salute your fatherhood and the positive impact it has on our community.

Happy Father's Day from all of us!