Elorm Kupomey, an Investigator at the Tema Sub-Regional Office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has emphasized the indispensable role father figures play in the upbringing and overall development of children, noting that fatherhood extends far beyond financial provision.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nyansapo Fie, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, Mrs. Kupomey described a father figure as a person who has custody of a child through birth, gives the child a name, and accepts the responsibility of raising and nurturing him or her.
She explained that, under the law, there are three recognized categories of fathers:
- Biological Father: A man who fathers a child by birth.
- Legal Father: A man recognized by law as the father of a child.
- Adoptive Father: A man who legally adopts another person’s child and raises the child as his own.
Mrs. Kupomey stressed that father figures play a crucial role in a child’s physical, emotional, social, and psychological development. According to her, fathers provide love, protection, guidance, discipline, emotional support, and financial care—factors that help shape a child’s confidence, character, and overall well-being.
She noted that children raised by positive and responsible father figures are more likely to develop strong moral values, excel academically, build healthy relationships, and grow into responsible adults. Conversely, she cautioned that the absence of a father figure can have adverse effects on a child’s emotional and social development, potentially resulting in low self-esteem, behavioural challenges, and poor decision-making.
Mrs. Kupomey therefore encouraged fathers and father figures to take an active role in their children’s lives by spending quality time with them, serving as positive role models, communicating openly, and fulfilling their parental responsibilities.
She concluded by reminding parents and guardians that fatherhood is not solely about providing financial support but also about nurturing, mentoring, and guiding children to become responsible and productive members of society. She added that every child deserves the love, care, and guidance of a committed father figure, whether biological, legal, or adoptive.
By: Ernest Kumi |Planbfmonline.com
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