HOLD PARENTS RESPONSIBLE!
Recently, two stories have stayed with me, sparking a deep reflection on the importance of parental responsibility and involvement.
The first involves Salifu Amoako, a well-known Ghanaian pastor whose 16-year-old son took a car without a license, sped recklessly, and collided with an SUV, tragically killing two teenagers as both vehicles caught fire.
The second story revolves around a 17-year-old girl who, unsupervised and without guidance, became involved in dangerous, open sexual encounters with multiple partners.
These incidents, though different in nature, lead me to one conclusion:
Parents should be held responsible for the reckless or harmful actions of their underage children. Maybe if we held parents accountable, some would be more engaged, more present, and perhaps fewer tragic stories would unfold.
As a society, we tend to emphasize the actions of young people while leaving out the context that surrounds them. But these events make me wonder, where are the parents? Why was a 16-year-old bay able to access a vehicle, and why did he feel free to drive at top speed without a license? And in the case of the young girl, why was no one around to guide or protect her from the dangers she encountered? These aren’t just accidents; they’re consequences of a lack of parental presence and accountability.
In today’s fast-paced world, many parents become unintentional absentees due to work commitments and busy schedules.
While I understand that the demands of life and work can be overwhelming, I can’t help but feel that the role of a parent is too important to be sidelined.
Children need guidance, boundaries, and above all, presence. When parents become disengaged, their children miss the crucial lessons that could help them make better decisions, avoid dangerous situations, and understand the consequences of their actions. They need a parent’s voice as a constant reminder of right and wrong.
If parents were held legally accountable for the irresponsible or even illegal behavior of their underage children, I believe it would encourage many to prioritize their roles as guardians and mentors.
Imagine the impact of a system that requires parents to answer for their children’s actions. Maybe it would prompt some parents to think twice about letting their children out unsupervised or handing over privileges without ensuring responsibility.
Perhaps it would drive them to foster closer relationships, to spend time understanding their children’s lives, and to actively engage in their upbringing.
There’s no denying that the pressures of work and personal ambitions can be powerful distractions, but parenting is a lifelong commitment that should be above all else.
I believe that balancing one’s career with the needs of one’s children is not only possible but necessary. Children need the influence, attention, and structure that only parents can provide, especially in today’s world, where they’re constantly exposed to external pressures and risks.
Building that foundation of trust and understanding within the family can make all the difference when it comes to keeping young people grounded and safe.
Reflecting on the tragic stories of the pastor’s son and the young girl, I can’t help but feel that it’s time for us to change our approach. Holding parents accountable would send a clear message that they are not passive bystanders in their children’s lives.
It would remind us all that parenting is about more than providing financial support-it’s about being there, guiding, disciplining, and teaching. Only then can we truly help young people avoid the pitfalls that await them and contribute positively to society.
©️ PHILIP THE WRITER
