As Ghana prepares to join the rest of the world to celebrate Father’s Day tomorrow, A Minister in charge of the Gateway Temple Assemblies of God (A/G), Sowutuom, Rev. Ben­jamin I. K. Adaletey, has urged men to embrace fatherhood not just as a biological role, but as a divine and sacred calling.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Spectator in Accra on Tuesday, Rev. Adaletey ex­plained that fatherhood was deeply spiritual and essential to the moral and emotional foundation of families and communities.

“Fatherhood is more than biology; it is a divine function,” he said.

According to him, men who may not have their own children can still serve as spiritual fathers, mentors, and protectors to other children in the community.

Drawing from traditional African values, Rev. Adaletey highlighted the long-standing culture of communal parenting.

“In the African context, we have always valued communal responsibility. A real man steps up to guide, correct, affirm, and protect the younger generation. Whether through mentorship, teach­ing, counseling, or simply being present; these men embody fatherhood in action,” he empha­sised.

He stated that the church especially needs such men, not just teachers, but fathers.

He admonished fathers who feels they have missed the mark that, grace was still available. He said God is the restorer of broken years and fractured relationships.

Moreover, Rev. Adaletey noted that fatherhood was a journey, not a destination and that even great men in Scripture made mistakes, citing David in Bible story for instance who made a mistake and yet was still called a man after God’s heart.

Rev Adaletey, who is also a renowned actor, urged such men not to give up but rather apolo­gise where needed, rebuild where possible and start again in God’s strength.

“Your children don’t need a perfect father, they need a present and repentant one,” he said.

He again urged fathers to reflect God’s nature in their leadership at home, saying “we reflect God’s character when we lead with love, pa­tience, integrity, and truth.”

“As fathers, we must model grace and disci­pline, mercy and justice. We must listen like God listens, forgive like God forgives, and protect like God protects. In doing so, our children begin to understand who God is, not just from sermons, but from how we live and love daily,” he added.

For those who grew up without a father, Rev. Adaletey said “you may have missed a father’s presence, but you are not fatherless. God Himself steps in as Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). Your past does not define your future. You can rise, you can heal, and you can be the beginning of a new legacy.”

Encouraging practical leadership in the home, Rev. Adaletey indicated that fathers should be role models, especially to their children.

He further underlined that, “let them see you pray, how you treat their mother, hear you admit your wrongs and seek God’s help.

Rev. Adaletey also called on fathers to teach their children to work hard, love God, respect others, and take responsibility, adding that the father’s lifestyle was his greatest lesson to his children.

He also warned about the need for balance between love and discipline, explaining that love without discipline creates chaos; discipline with­out love breeds resentment.

He stated that a Godly father should discipline with tenderness and love with firmness, saying “just as God disciplines us for our growth, fathers must correct their children in a way that builds them, not breaks them.”

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu