Sonnie Badu, a well-known Ghanaian gospel artist residing in the UK, has emphasized the significance of fathers actively participating in their children’s lives.
He stated that fathers who are not present are deemed ineffective, and he encouraged men to make sure they are actively involved in their children’s lives. He clarified that although he acknowledges the possibility of fathers being separated from their children due to relationship issues like divorces, he believes that fathers should not use this as a reason to disengage from their children.
During an interview on 3 Music TV, he pointed out absentee fathers as the cause for young boys facing uncertainty about their sexual orientations. “You are deemed worthless as a father if someone else takes care of your child, unless you are deceased or incapacitated in some way. It reflects negatively on you as a man.” There have been situations where a divorce occurs and there is a child involved, but the biological father is not fulfilling his responsibilities while the stepfather assumes full responsibility.
“I am deeply disturbed by this statement because I believe that boys require the presence of their fathers. In my opinion, many individuals who experience difficulties in understanding their sexuality may have been influenced by primarily living with their mothers. As a result, their exposure to predominantly feminine role models, such as their mothers doing makeup and wearing high heels, may have contributed to a lack of masculine influence in their lives.” In a swift manner, he further explained that the majority of girls who have experienced abuse in their lives lacked a protective and nurturing father figure.
Consequently, they sought solace and affection from other men, unwittingly falling victim to exploitation. He additionally pointed out that fathers who have neglected their duties at home have unfairly placed a heavy load on their wives, who must also take on paternal roles in order to maintain the household functioning. Inherently, men are expected to be the providers in a household.
However, there are some men who have failed to fulfill this role, causing women to step up and assume the responsibilities traditionally associated with men. If women do not take on these tasks, problems will arise in the household, and the children may suffer. Men often exhibit a lack of concern and simply go about their own business, leaving the women to fend for themselves. Having a father present in the household is highly significant.
“Hey, just a reminder to all men out there, if you have a child, make efforts to locate and reconnect with them.” Sonnie Badu also encouraged all fathers to actively pursue and establish a bond with their children, regardless of the situation they may be in.