Ghana's family system being threatened

The saying goes that you can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family.

In Ghana, the family is not only the basis of Ghanaian social organizations, but is also the main source of social security in old age (emotionally and financially) and the primary or sole caretaker for the young.

The Ghanaian family which mostly constitutes relatives from both maternal and paternal lineage is mostly the back bone for social security in the Ghanaian society.

However, modern civilization that followed colonialism seems to have affected very greatly, the role and function of the traditional family system, the extended family, leading to the introduction of the nuclear family system; constituting mainly the mother, father and children.

Pressure to make ends meet and loaded work schedules are also affecting the Ghanaian family system.

Developing trends now show that the traditional family's role and function is being undermined or has completely lost its grips.

S.K. Botwe is a screen printer and family man. He says, ‘things have changed these days.”

He recounts the moments he spent with his family whilst growing up. However, he says, rush hours with regards to work has made it difficult for him to spend time with his family.

“Things have changed these days. At first I remember when I come from school, I will see my mom, my dad, they will call me, tell me to do my homework. They will make sure they check on me to do everything. But, it’s not like that these days. Things have changed. In the morning everybody is rushing to work because if you don’t go, you will not eat. For that reason, parents do not get time for their kids.”

Mother and trader, Jennifer Buckman also indicates that there is a vast difference as compared to old times when the family was an important unit in one’s life.

“There is a vast differnce when you compare the modern system to the olden days. Now it seems if you don’t work hard, you won’t have enough to cater for the family and your children’s schooling. Now, everybody is rushing to get to work. For instance, if you sell at the market, you have to arrive there early in order to catch the early worms. We don’t even have time to bath our children for school. Having a maid is also an issue. There is a vast difference as compared to the old times,” she says.

One's socio-cultural development starts from the family. The family moulds one's character and trains him or her to fit into society.

However, in modern times many children pick up various attitudes and behaviours without the knowledge of parents.

The reason is that these parents live with their children but are also very far from them because much time is not spent together by these too groups.

Nana Akomea works with a media house. He spends most of his time at the office. This means that it will be difficult for him to spend quality time with his family.

“I usually come to work very early in the morning and close very late in the night. For this reason, I find it difficult to spend quality time with my family.” 

May 15 is celebrated annually as the International Day of the Family. This day highlights the importance of families. It aims at fostering equality, bringing about a fuller sharing of domestic responsibilities and employment opportunities. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Ensuring work family balance’. So how can this balance be achieved.

So, spend your life showing those you love that they will always have their family no matter what happens.