Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, has challenged long-standing cultural norms that place the responsibility of childcare predominantly on women, urging fathers to be actively involved in raising their children beyond financial provision.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, January 20, Dr Hilda said it is unfortunate that caregiving is still widely seen as a woman’s duty, despite both parents being equally responsible for bringing a child into the world.
“Unfortunately, we live in a culture where caregiving and nurturing are left to women,” she said. “Even when men try to get involved, they are sometimes given names or accused of being controlled by their wives or not being man enough.”
She described such attitudes as harmful, noting that they discourage fathers from participating fully in their children’s lives. According to Dr Hilda, active involvement by both parents strengthens family bonds and improves a father’s understanding of his child.
“It is good for the two people who brought the child into the world to be involved in caring for that child,” she said. “It makes the father appreciate more and understand better.”
Dr Hilda emphasised that there is nothing inappropriate about men participating in everyday childcare activities, including feeding children, changing diapers, or assisting with homework.
“There is nothing wrong with a man feeding his child, changing a diaper, or helping the child with homework,” she said. “Rather, it helps to improve the bonding with the child.”
Addressing claims by some fathers that mothers turn children against them, she dismissed the argument, saying children are perceptive and form opinions based on their experiences.
“Sometimes fathers say the mother is poisoning the child against them, but children are not dumb,” she said. “They also see.”
She explained that children naturally feel disconnected when they notice a lack of interest, care, or emotional support from a parent.
“If they see you are not interested in their welfare or not showing support or care, they don’t really feel connected to you,” she said.
Dr Hilda linked emotional connection to the choices children make later in life. “That is why many times when children grow up, they buy cars and build houses for their mothers,” she said. “They remember who was there for them.”
The paediatrician urged fathers to invest time, not just money, in their children, recommending activities that promote bonding such as spending quality time, playing football, or going swimming together.
“Fathers need to invest in their children, not just financially,” she said. “Be present. Take them out, go swimming with them, play football with them.”
While acknowledging that work commitments can be demanding, Dr Hilda stressed that parenthood requires more than material provision.
“No matter how busy work is, as a parent you have a duty to your child,” she said. “It’s not just about providing money; it’s about being there emotionally.”
She concluded by calling for a shift in societal attitudes toward fatherhood, emphasising that greater male involvement in childcare will help raise emotionally secure children and build stronger families.
“When fathers are present, children grow up feeling loved and supported, and families become stronger,” she said.
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