Kwame, affectionately known as Papa by his children, demonstrated a deep commitment to discipline in his parenting. Raised by strict disciplinarians himself, he instilled a strong sense of responsibility and honesty in his children. Despite his frequent travel and often being absent, Kwame made the most of the weekends they spent together, occasionally taking them on car rides to bond. Sundays, in particular, were special moments, as they drove to the Meridian Hotel in Tema for his haircut, reinforcing their connection and making the most of their time together. Parenting James James reminisced about Papa with a blend of respect and understanding. “Though he wasn’t a particularly playful father, Papa took his role seriously,” James reflected. “He was strict, driven by a deep desire for us to reach our full potential and make sound decisions.” Punctuality and routine were cornerstones of Papa’s upbringing, and he was intent on passing these values down to his children. James vividly recalled an incident that left a lasting impression. Papa had set a strict curfew for his sons, and when James broke it, he quickly learned how serious his father was about rules. “Papa locked the doors that night, teaching me a lesson about the importance of being punctual and following the rules,” James said, his voice carrying a note of reflection. Another memory stood out with striking clarity. “When I was sent to London for university, I made a decision that worried Papa—I chose to work first and make some money before focusing on my studies,” James recalled. “I didn’t tell my father this, but he heard I was working, and the sleepless nights this decision caused Papa were profound, given his high expectations for our education.” Papa’s response was swift and decisive; he took a flight fromAccra to London. “Papa surprised me with a visit,” James continued. “I came home from work to find Papa waiting for me in the sitting room.” The next day, Papa took action to ensure James would stay on the right path. “Papa arranged a grant for me and made sure I resumed my studies,” James said, his voice tinged with gratitude. “Papa’s commitment to our success was steadfast, and looking back, I realize just how much he cared about our future.” The Birthday Journal 29
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