It is widely viewed that the role of a father is key to the inner growth and strength of a child especially as they grow into puberty. It is said that when fathers are supportive and develop affection for their children, it positively affects a child’s cognitive and social well-being and improves the child’s level of confidence.
It is on this score that the Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment Ghana (RISE Ghana) with support from UNICEF has initiated a campaign dubbed the “Good Dad’s” campaign. With the initiative, the organization hopes to improve the relationship adolescents have with their fathers.
As part of the campaign, RISE Ghana is working with fathers in Bawku West, Kassena Nankana West, and Bongo Districts to improve the sexual and reproductive health rights of children in the respective districts.
It is also believed that when fathers are abreast of the changing dynamics, they will engage in practices that propel growth and development of adolescents.
Speaking to newsmen Thursday, February 22, 2024, during an engagement session with parents from the three districts, the Executive Director of RISE Ghana, Awal Ahmed Kariama, noted that it is important for parents especially fathers to get involved in safeguarding and addressing the needs of adolescents.
He pointed out that the manner in which many fathers discipline their children virtually keeps the adolescent away from them.
“It is a collective responsibility to be able to raise the children but we have also realized that the disciplinary nature of fathers is scaring some of the adolescents away so we want to find a middle ground where adolescents will become friends with their fathers so that they can confide in them as well as get good counsel from them. So, I will say that safeguarding adolescents should be a collective responsibility.” He stressed.
Meanwhile, some fathers shared what they believe has gone wrong with parenting lately, adding many fathers think it is enough to pay the bills of the home and leave the rest to the woman.
