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Insubordination cause of child neglect?
Insubordination, has been identified as a contributory factor to child neglect in some communities in the Upper West Region.
This negative attitude has resulted in shirking of responsibilities by some parents towards their adolescent children in the area.
“My daughter is very stubborn; she has refused to help me on the farm from the day she entered Junior High School, and I cannot even scold her when she goes wrong without getting a reply from her”.
This was the lamentation of a parent from Gbegru, a community in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region when the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organised a day’s sensitisation programme for people in the community recently.
The topic was, “Ending teenage pregnancies and child marriages”.
Again, the worried mother who did not see the need to cater for her stubborn daughter posed this question during an open forum: “How do you expect me to use my money on such a child when the money is coming from the farm she has refused to help me weed?”.
The aforesaid comments were triggered when the Field Assistant of the PPAG, Mr Joseph Aniah challenged parents to help eliminate teenage pregnancies by providing for their adolescent girls rather than transferring their parental responsibilities to men who took advantage of them(girls).
Mr Aniah noted that proper parental care would go a long way to help eradicate early pregnancies as many of the girls entered early relationships to get money for their basic needs.
He said if those needs were provided for by the parents, the girls would not have any reason to entertain men when they were still in school.
His comments did not go down well with some parents who expressed reservations that they were not neglecting their duties but were rather reacting to rudeness of their wards as “a way of punishing them”.
“I am into shea butter processing and that is what I do to feed the entire house. I have a daughter at the Junior High School and whenever I ask her to help me carry the nuts to Wa to mill, she will not, even when I go to mill and prepare the product and ask her to help me sell at the market, she will still refuse, so tell me why I am supposed to give her money after she has refused to assist me?” another parent asked.
Some of the men at the meeting also said that the girls were engaging in sexual acts for their own pleasure not because their parents had refused them their basic needs.
“My cousin’s daughter successfully wrote her Basic Education Certificate Examination and was awaiting the results but before we could say jack, she was pregnant. These days we are also overwhelmed by such incidents as parents and do not know how to handle them,” he said.
A facilitator at the meeting, Pognaa Amamata Mumuni encouraged parents to “engage their children more often in discussions early in life till they are of age”.
She believed that keeping the children as friends would help reduce animosity between them and as well pave the way for the children to discuss personal issues with their parents without fear.
“You should not only engage the children when you are sending them on an errand, you should engage them frequently in conversations about their sexual and reproductive health, their association with peers and the opposite sex, among others, in a friendly manner,” she advised.
She again encouraged parents to exercise patience with the children but chastise them with love so that the discipline they were instilling would not end up creating more problems for the child.
From Lydia Darlington Fordjour, Gbegru
AS Valentine’s Day is marked around the world with flowers, gifts and romantic gestures, a marriage counsellor has encouraged Ghanaians to move beyond the commercial celebration and reflect on the deeper meaning of love rooted in faith.
Speaking to The Spectator, Counsellor Prince Offei, who is also a mental health professional and a Reverend Minister, said Valentine’s Day has strong Christian origins that were often ignored in contemporary celebrations.
He explained that the day was linked to Saint Valentine, a third-century Christian priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly officiating weddings for young couples. Saint Valentine was later arrested and executed for his actions.
“Saint Valentine stood for love, commitment and marriage, even at the cost of his life; that legacy is what inspired the celebration of love that we now know as Valentine’s Day,” Counsellor Offei said.
He noted that the celebration remains relevant to Christianity when approached from a spiritual perspective.
“As Christians, Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s unconditional love for humanity,” he said, citing 1 John 4:19, which states that love originates from God.
“When love, kindness and generosity are at the centre, the celebration aligns with Christian values.”
Addressing debates over the origins of Valentine’s Day, Counsellor Offei mentioned that the modern observance can be redeemed when believers focus on demonstrating Christ-like love.
“We can use the day to strengthen relationships, share scripture and show love in practical ways,” he said, referencing John 13:34, which urges believers to love one another as Christ loved them.
On how the day should be observed, Counsellor Offei stressed that Valentine’s Day is not limited to romantic relationships.
“For singles, it can be a time to practise self-love and appreciate family and friendships,” he said, adding that for couples who are dating, it is an opportunity to deepen understanding, while married couples can use the day to reconnect and renew their commitment.
He also encouraged acts of service, noting that showing compassion to those in need reflects the true spirit of love.
However, the counsellor expressed concern over the growing association of Valentine’s Day with promiscuity.
“It is worrying when the day is used to justify immoral behaviour,” he said. “Christian teachings emphasise that sexual intimacy is sacred and meant for marriage. When this is ignored and misused, it often leads to emotional and psychological harm,” he added.
Counsellor Offei urged Christians, particularly the youth, to resist societal pressure and remain grounded in faith.
“Young people should remember that true love is rooted in God’s love,” he said. “Social media trends should not define their worth or relationships. Scripture and godly counsel remain the best guides.”
He called on Christians to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder of love that is sacrificial, responsible and reflective of God’s nature.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has congratulated radio journalists and station owners across the country as the world marks World Radio Day 2026, and renewed calls for the passage of the long-pending Broadcasting Bill.
In a statement issued in Accra on February 13, 2026, and signed by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the Association joined UNESCO and the international community in celebrating the day under the theme: “AI is a Tool, Not a Voice.”
According to the GJA, the theme highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence in broadcasting but reminds media practitioners that technology cannot replace the human voice.
It said while AI can support radio work, credibility and public trust depend on ethics, professionalism and sound editorial judgment.
The Association described radio as the most accessible and inclusive medium in Ghana. It noted that radio continues to inform, educate and unite people in both urban and rural communities.
It said the medium plays a key role in promoting accountability, encouraging public dialogue and sharing important information on health, education, security, the economy and climate change.
The GJA congratulated radio journalists, presenters, producers, editors, technicians and support staff for their dedication and resilience.
It said their work has helped to sustain one of the most vibrant radio industries in Africa and has strengthened Ghana’s democracy.
It commended private radio station owners, including commercial and community broadcasters, for operating despite financial and regulatory challenges.
The Association said many of them face limited revenue, high operational costs and stiff competition, yet they continue to invest in local content, multilingual programming and job creation.
While celebrating the achievements of the sector, the GJA expressed concern about the lack of a comprehensive Broadcasting Law.
It pointed out that the Broadcasting Bill, which has been pending since 2009, is needed to modernise and properly regulate the industry.
The Association urged the Executive and Parliament to treat the passage of the Bill as a national priority.
It said a well-regulated and independent radio sector is essential for democratic growth and national development.
As the country marks World Radio Day, the GJA encouraged media professionals to uphold high standards of integrity, accuracy and responsibility.
It stressed that even as technology evolves, innovation must not weaken the ethical foundation of journalism.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professionalism and pushing for reforms to strengthen broadcasting in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
