Ghana Pediatrician: Dads Must Do More Than Pay Bills

A leading pediatrician in Ghana is calling on fathers to stop treating childcare like it's only a mother's job, and her words are striking a chord with families across the country.

Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, told Joy FM listeners this week that both parents need to be active caregivers. She's pushing back against outdated cultural norms that mock men who change diapers or help with homework.

"Unfortunately, we live in a culture where caregiving and nurturing are left to women," Dr. Boye explained. "Even when men try to get involved, they are sometimes given names or accused of being controlled by their wives."

She's not buying the excuses. When fathers claim they're too busy with work or that mothers turn kids against them, Dr. Boye offers a simpler explanation: children notice who shows up.

"Children are not dumb. They also see," she said. "If they see you are not interested in their welfare or not showing support or care, they don't really feel connected to you."

Dr. Boye pointed out that adult children often buy cars and build houses for their mothers because those relationships were built on presence, not just paychecks. The bond forms through everyday moments like playing football together, going swimming, or simply being there for homework struggles.

Her prescription for stronger families is straightforward: fathers need to invest time alongside money. Feeding a child, changing a diaper, or attending a school event aren't favors to mothers but essential parts of being a dad.

Why This Inspires

Dr. Boye's message matters because she's addressing a universal truth that transcends borders. When both parents actively participate in raising children, those kids grow up feeling more secure and loved. She's not just criticizing absent fathers but offering them a roadmap to deeper connections with their children.

Her call for cultural change recognizes that some men want to be more involved but face social pressure to maintain traditional distance. By speaking out as a respected medical professional, she's giving families permission to parent differently.

When fathers show up emotionally, everyone wins: children feel valued, mothers share the load, and dads build relationships that last a lifetime.