Tema: The Very Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey, a Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has called on fathers to be good examples of God to their children. Very Rev. Prof. Martey emphasized that fathers serve as representatives of God and should therefore ensure that their character and actions reflect those of God.

According to Ghana News Agency, he gave this advice during an interview when he visited the PCG, Redemption Congregation in Tema Community Nine, on Father’s Day. The occasion marked the culmination of the Men’s Fellowship week celebration, themed ‘Celebrating Our Heritage: Persisting in Mission – Men, Go Labour On.’ Very Rev. Prof. Martey highlighted the crucial role fathers play in introducing the concept of God to their children, citing that the metaphor of a father is foundational to understanding God, as seen in the opening of Christian prayers with ‘Our Father.’

He further elaborated that the character of fathers significantly influences their children’s spiritual lives, suggesting that positive paternal behavior encourages children to connect with God. Conversely, he noted that some fathers’ irresponsible and unkind behavior serves as a deterrent for people to embrace Christianity, as they equate God the Father with their earthly fathers.

In a related message, Mr. Elvis Panford, Clerk of Session at PCG Redemption, delivered a sermon urging fathers to take an active role in their children’s lives. He compared fatherhood to professions like doctors and teachers, underscoring the necessity of fathers’ engagement with their children. Mr. Panford emphasized that neglecting this responsibility could result in children becoming societal burdens. He asserted that fatherhood is mandatory and should be treated with urgency, advising fathers to lead their children spiritually and not to shirk their responsibilities due to personal issues with the children’s mothers.