By Lord Fiifi Quayle

In recent years, there has been a concerning shift in the fabric of our society—one that threatens the very foundation of our families and the values we hold dear. As a supporter of Hon. Sam George’s bill on family values, I feel compelled to address the urgent need for us to raise real men who understand the significance of commitment, responsibility, and the sanctity of family.

We find ourselves in a time when most women are justifying their choices and the circumstances they find themselves in, often at the expense of the men who should be standing alongside them. This has led to a troubling trend where many men seem to have abdicated their roles as fathers and partners. The question that looms large is: where are the men? Why aren’t they stepping up to the plate? Why is there a pervasive reluctance to regularize relationships, to give their names to their loved ones and their children?

A real man is defined not just by his physical presence but by his commitment to protect those he loves. He is concerned about the legitimacy of his children, their future, and their inheritance. A real man takes pride in his family, ensuring their reputations are upheld and their needs are met. Sadly, we are witnessing a disconnect, where the ideals of masculinity are being overshadowed by a culture that often glorifies irresponsibility and detachment.

Recently, I watched a powerful video on Facebook featuring a lady from Asante Akim Oda sharing her experience with her father during a visit. Even at the age of 73, this traditional Ghanaian father would not accept money from his daughter. Instead, he insisted that she keep the money for her own needs, affirming that it was his duty as a father to protect and provide for her children until he dies. This poignant example underscores the essence of what it means to be a real man—selflessly providing for one’s family and upholding the values of responsibility and care.

We must confront the reality that our inability to instill these values in our young men is allowing external influences—particularly from the West—to impose negative values on our culture. The erosion of family structures and the normalization of single parenthood, while sometimes unavoidable, should not be celebrated or accepted as the norm. It is our duty to resist these narratives and to promote the importance of family unity and commitment.

As we endeavor to raise what we hope will be real men, we must prepare them for the responsibilities that come with marriage and parenthood. We need to instill in them the importance of commitment—not just to their partners but to their children. We must teach them that being a man means being present, being responsible, and being a protector.

Our young boys must learn that true strength lies in their ability to nurture and support their families. They should understand that marriage is not just a legal contract but a sacred bond that requires dedication, love, and sacrifice. We need to raise men who will stand by their wives, who will be involved in their children’s lives, and who will strive to create a loving and stable home environment.

Even in the animal kingdom, we see examples of commitment and protection. Bull elephants, for instance, are known for their strong familial bonds and their protective nature towards their young. If such instincts are present in the animal world, how much more should we, as human beings, embody these values?

It is time for us to reclaim our narrative and reinforce the importance of family values in our communities. We must encourage our young men to aspire to be husbands and fathers who take pride in their roles. We must cultivate an environment where commitment is revered, and where the legacy of strong families is passed down through generations. It is only a real man who can raise a real man, and it is imperative that we model the values we wish to see in the next generation.

Raising real men is not just a personal responsibility; it is a collective mission that requires the involvement of our communities, our leaders, and our institutions. Let us stand together to ensure that the next generation understands the true meaning of manhood—one that is rooted in love, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to family. Together, we can raise a generation of men who will uphold our values and build a brighter future for our children.