The Mirror, one of the brands of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd, yesterday celebrated fathers and father figures at a special Father's Day buffet lunch dubbed “A Day for Dad” at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
The event also provided the platform for the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) to honour a dedicated teacher whose commitment to education has transformed the lives of children on an island in the Ada area.
The event brought together fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, mentors and guardians for a day of appreciation, family bonding and entertainment.
Sponsored by Ecobank Ghana, Japan Motors Trading Company Limited, Woodin, Ghandour Cosmetics, Latex Foam and X Men, the guests left with gift items and memorable experiences.
The Ghana National Fire Service Band entertained guests with music that kept them glued to the dance floor.
Men’s invaluable contributions
The Editor of The Mirror, Doreen Hammond, said the occasion was designed not only to celebrate fathers but also to recognise the invaluable contributions of men who continued to shape families and communities through sacrificing for their upkeep, guidance and unwavering support.
The Fire Service Dance Band provided foot-throbbing songs to entertain the fathers
"We gather to celebrate fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, mentors, guardians and role models whose sacrifices, protection, wisdom and love have helped shape families, communities and the nation at large," she said.
Ms Hammond stated that in a world where the demands of work and daily life often left little room for appreciation, the event provided an opportunity to pause and express gratitude to fathers and father figures.
"Fathers are often the silent pillars of the home, working tirelessly behind the scenes to provide stability, discipline and love," she added.
She expressed appreciation to the sponsors and the management of plush Labadi Beach Hotel for supporting the initiative and promoting family values and community well-being.
GNAT award
The teacher who was honoured, Albert Nene Agudey Korletey, had spent the past seven years crossing a river daily to teach children on the island.
Some of the patrons having a meal
Presenting the award on behalf of GNAT, the Head of Public Affairs of GNAT, Selasi Tali, and GNAT's Second National Trustee, Evans Theophilus Tamatey, said the association chose to honour Mr Korletey for his exceptional dedication to ensuring that children living in the remote island community had access to education.
He said despite the challenges encountered crossing the river every school day, Mr Korletey remained committed to his work, helping to bridge the educational gap between children on the island and their counterparts on the mainland.
Sponsors
Representatives of sponsoring organisations used the occasion to interact with participants and shared messages on family welfare and financial security.
A representative of Woodin, Emmanuel Bediako, said the company remained committed to celebrating fathers through specially designed products to honour them.
He encouraged patrons to visit Woodin outlets before the end of June to purchase gifts for fathers and father figures.
The Managing Director of EDC Investment Limited, a member of the Ecobank Group, Paul Mante, urged men to take deliberate steps towards achieving financial security.
According to him, financial challenges remained one of the major sources of stress among men and families.
“The first responsibility of a man is to be intentional about making money.
Lack of money is one of the greatest sources of stress in our lives,” he said.
Mr Mante advised participants to cultivate the habit of saving and investing regularly, stressing that salaries alone were often insufficient to secure long-term financial stability.
"Financial peace is better than financial show,” he stated.
He encouraged participants to create additional sources of income through investments, describing treasury bills as one of the reliable avenues available for wealth creation.
"Every person should have a money-making machine. If your salary is your only source of income, you are not far from poverty,” he said.
