As Ghanaians celebrate Father’s Day today, the General Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, Bishop Charles Agyinasare, has urged fathers to set good examples for their children and all who look up to them.
In a brief message on Sunday, June 20, Bishop Agyinasare, admonished fathers to live exemplary lives for people who depend on them in various ways.
“May our actions be exemplary in the eyes of those who look up to us spiritually, socially and financially,†he said in a specially designed artwork to mark Father’s Day.
Although not as popular as Mother’s Day, Ghanaians today have joined the world to honour and celebrate fathers for their sacrifice, leadership, mentorship and outstanding roles they have played in communities over the years.
The day, which is observed on the third Sunday of June globally has gradually been embraced in Ghana.
Largely facilitated by the media and their sponsors, Ghanaian men are now being recognised through the giving of cards, gifts, dining outs, well-wishing messages and other forms of showing appreciation, instead of the hitherto practice of a few media houses, inviting callers to share their disturbing experiences with their fathers.
As part of the good wishes pouring in for fathers in Ghana, the Commissioner of the Graduates Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) at the University of Education Winneba, Abiba Asoma, has acknowledged the essential role fathers play in the lives of their families.
“Fathers are enjoined to provide for and protect his family. This leadership role conferred on fathers means that they must have the qualities of a leader. To be candid, the role fathers play can never be underestimated.
“Fatherhood is a very important and serious responsibility, requiring a lot of physical, material, and emotional investments in the family, community, and the nation,†she stated in a Father’s Day message.
Father's Day was first celebrated in 1972 when US President Richard Nixon signed a declaration for it.
The history of Father's Day dates back to 1908 when Sonora Smart Dodd celebrated it to honour her father. Father's Day is celebrated to acknowledge the efforts of fathers and to thank them for their efforts.