The Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) – an association of Men in The Church of Pentecost -is encouraging men, particularly husbands to also cook for their families and not reserve it for just women.
In Africa in general, and Ghana in particular, cooking is generally believed to be a chore for women, particularly in marriage. A wife’s culinary skills somewhat determines whether or not she is a good wife by the husband, his friends and in-laws among others.
For some preachers, Proverb 31:15, which states that “She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants” is Biblical affirmation of cooking being the primary responsibility of a Woman.
Ironically, research has proven that men who cook and do other house chores are seen more romantic by women whereas others showed that such acts bring happiness in marriage.
Touching on the controversial subject, the Mangoase District of The Church of Pentecost in the Eastern Region is changing this perception among men. To reinforce this, a cooking competition has been organized as part of the PEMEM Week Celebration under the theme: “Come See a Man”.
Men in the Church were engaged in cooking competition with the women to demonstrate their ability to cook varieties of nutritious traditional foods.
The Mangoase District Pastor of the Church of Pentecost, Pastor Seth Henneh said: “Cooking should not be a reserve for women. A man too can cook so we encourage all men to cook in the house”.
The District PEMEM Leader, Elder Victor Doku, said: “It has gotten to a time when men should also go to the kitchen to feed the family”.
He added that “it is a misconception, why should it be women alone. It is a man and woman who makes the family so if I can go to the Kitchen to make the family comfortable I should do it. In fact sometimes the women are so stressed but needed to at all cost cook while the man can support.”
Mrs. Beatrice Henneh, wife of the District Pastor said, women appreciate very well husbands who support their wives in performing house chores in their leisure times at home. She said such acts make marriages great and reinforces sense of commitment between spouses.
The Mangoase District PEMEM had earlier embarked on clean up exercises in three health centers in the area, held marital seminar and fundraising for purchase of Generator set.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
