For some time now, health professionals have been encouraging husbands and fathers to embrace new roles that will help their wives and babies stay healthy during and after pregnancy.
As a result, men in many parts of the world have moved beyond just assisting their wives at home and are going as far as the delivery room to lend their support.
However, a call by Health Concern Ghana, an NGO, on fathers to attend pre-natal and antenatal clinics with their wives has generated mixed reaction.
A cross section of people interviewed by The Mirror on the trend expressed different opinions on this development.
While some men do not think it necessary to accompany their partners to ante-natal classes and be involved in the process of child birth, others think it is caring, thoughtful and even interesting to get involved.
Mrs Naomi Asinyo, 30, (a clerk) said she attended ante-natal appointments alone because her husband had to work and didn�t have time to spare for �something� like antenatal.
According to her, even when she went into labour, he took her to the hospital but left for work after she had managed to convince him that there was no reason for him to stay.
Her husband, Eric Asinyo, 33, said he did not think it appropriate because he would not have been able to witness the delivery.
�I hear it is a bloody process and I would rather stay out of it. Besides, it�s women�s business and therefore not appropriate for me to watch her go through that ordeal,� he added.
Mohammed Abass, a businessman thought it was funny to even think of accompanying his wife to ante-natal. He was of the view that that particular role had always been for women and men should not interfere with it.
According to him, �all my sisters went alone when they were pregnant and I know most women do same. I will not hesitate to help purchase my wife�s medication for her.�
He, however, did not find anything wrong with men who will be comfortable enough to accompany their wives to ante-natal classes.
A father of one and an electrician, Mr Fred Nyarko, said he accompanied his pregnant wife to her ante-natal appointments but stopped because the place was full of women and he felt out of place.
He, however, added: �I assist her with chores at home.�
An accountant, Mr John Agbeko, 46, said he sometimes went with his wife to the classes especially during the latter stages.
He added: �I witnessed her first delivery.�
During this year�s FatherFest celebrations organised by Health Concern Ghana, the Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs Mary Aboagye, encouraged fathers and husbands to support their wives before, during and after birth to ensure that the women would remain healthy.
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