Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisah Djaba, on the occasion celebrating fathers, has encouraged fathers to be positive role models in the lives of their children and other members of the society.

“The importance of fathers to the family and the society as a whole cannot be overemphasized. The role of Father’s and father figures is very critical to the development of the children and the family. Just as mothers have their role to play so do fathers to achieve responsible parenting. Children need both parents and the extended family for a balanced development. A Child without positive male role models is more likely to be involved in criminal activity, less disciplined and participate in unhealthy activities. Research has shown that father-child interaction promotes a child’s physical well-being, perceptual ability and competency for relating with others. Furthermore, these children demonstrate greater ability to take initiative and exhibit self-control,” the Minister said in a statement copied to Ghanaweb.

She believes fathers are irreplaceable as “No matter how great a mother is she can never replace a father.”

“Father’s Day is a day set aside to celebrate and honour fathers. It is celebrating fatherhood, paternal bond and the influence of fathers in society. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection wishes all fathers a Happy Father’s Day. This message does not only cover those who are fathers biologically but stretches to all those who have played a fatherly role in the lives of children and in our society” the statement reads further.

Read below the full statement