Ghanaians yester­day joined the global community in com­memorating Father's Day, a day set aside to honour fathers, father figures, and mentors whose influence and dedica­tion shape families and society.Churches, media houses, and community groups marked the occasion with messages of ap­preciation, heartfelt gratitude, and special events.The Ghanaian Times also observed during the commem­oration of the day yesterday that some individuals were buying groceries, towels, fabrics from shops in Accra to present to their fathers to celebrate and honour them.A section of the public, including the clergy, civil ser­vants, and business men and women, in sample interviews with The Ghanaian Times, ex­pressed gratitude to fathers for the role played in shaping the lives of the members of both their nuclear and extended families.In addition, they urged those who failed to play their role as fathers to desist from that act and lead by example.The head pastor of the Reverend I.K Asuamah Thompson Memorial Church, Very Reverend Naana Esi Dannyame, urged fathers not to neglect their responsibilities but lead by example as Christ led the church.According to her, although many had attributed the low level of hype that made about the Father's Day celebration due to the failure of some fathers to take up their respon­sibilities, there were others who were perfectly performing their roles, hence, the need to celebrate them."People always say that we don't hear a lot about the Fa­ther's Day as compared to that of the Mother's Day because a lot of fathers are failing to take up their responsibilities.

I don't think that is true because there are fathers who are per­forming their responsibilities very well," Very Rev.

Danny­ame said.Mr Solomon Larweh, a youth advocate, described fathers as a pillars of strength, love, and guidance, whose con­tributions often go unsung."Today, we celebrate the incredible men who inspire us and provide unwavering support.

To all the fathers out there, we salute you for your love, dedication, and sacrific­es," he said.Mr Larweh urged society to continuously appreciate the ef­forts of fathers and encourage them when they were down in life.Ms Abigail Antwi, a civil servant, aid that, "my father has been instrumental in shap­ing my life and that of my four siblings, even after the death of my mother ten years ago and I thank him for that." BY EUGENE AMPIAW