Prof. Okoe Amartey has stated that christening a child outside of marriage is not appropriate and does not align with traditional or moral values.
In a recent comment on the issue, the minister stressed that christening a child should be done within the context of a stable family unit, ideally where parents are married. He explained that the practice of christening children born out of wedlock can undermine the sanctity of marriage and send the wrong message to society.
According to Prof. Amartey, many people today have normalised actions that conflict with traditional and religious values, and he believes this trend should be challenged. He argued that children deserve to be welcomed into families where commitment, stability, and moral guidance are present.
He also emphasised that marriage plays an important role in providing a secure environment for raising children, and that religious rites like christenings should reflect and reinforce stable family structures.
Prof. Amartey’s remarks have sparked discussion across social and religious circles, with some agreeing that strong family foundations are important, while others feel the focus should be on the welfare of the child rather than the parents’ marital status.
The minister also urged society to uphold values that support family stability, encouraging parents to consider the long‑term impact of their choices on children and community norms.
As the debate continues, voices on both sides are calling for respectful conversations about tradition, religion, and the rights of children in modern society.
