Methodist Minister Cautions Parents on Modern Naming Trends, Appeals for Responsible Parenting

The Manso Abiram Circuit Minister of the Methodist Church Ghana in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, Rev. Savior Owusu, has cautioned parents against the growing trend of giving children names without understanding their meanings, stressing that names carry lasting impact on a child’s life.

According to Rev. Owusu, naming ceremonies in recent times have become more of a fashion exercise rather than a meaningful cultural and spiritual responsibility. He observed that many parents now rely on the internet or choose names simply because they sound pleasant, without taking time to research their meanings and implications.

He explained that names play a significant role in shaping a child’s identity, character, and future, and therefore parents must be intentional and careful when choosing names for their children. Rev. Owusu warned that ignorance of a name’s meaning could have negative consequences for a child as they grow.

The Methodist minister further appealed to parents to recognize their collective responsibility in raising children, with special emphasis on fathers. He urged fathers not to abandon their children but to take active roles in their upbringing, providing guidance, care, and moral support.

Rev. Owusu made these remarks during a church service at the Ebenezer Society of the Methodist Church at Manso Tontokrom.

Meanwhile, an opinion leader at Manso Tontokrom, Mr. Nyarko Isaac, popularly known as “Simple man ,” also used the opportunity to make a passionate appeal to fathers within the community. He called on fathers to take full responsibility for their children and desist from abandoning them.

Mr. Nyarko Isaac noted that neglecting parental duties contributes to social challenges in society and urged fathers to be present in the lives of their children to help shape them into responsible and productive citizens.