Vocalist and broadcaster, Kokui Selormey
Celebrated vocalist and broadcaster Kokui Selormey is calling on Ghanaian parents to re-examine traditional parenting approaches that stifle children’s voices, warning that confusing confidence with arrogance and timidity with humility is holding many young people back.
Speaking at A Convergence of Mothers, a forum organised by media personality MzGee in Accra, Kokui, a mother of four, said today’s children are more expressive, and it is crucial for parents to adjust to the changing times and nurture rather than suppress that boldness.
“My children are not timid at all, and that can be a challenge sometimes because of the way I was raised,” she said. “We often say a child is ‘too known’ or arrogant, but a confident child is not a disrespectful child. We must learn to encourage expression with respect.”
According to her, Ghanaian culture often discourages children from engaging in open conversations with adults, even when such conversations are necessary for learning and growth. She challenged that mindset.
“Gone are the days where a child cannot ask why. If my child asks why I’ve told them to do something, I now have the patience to explain. My mother may not have had that, but we must evolve,” she said.
Kokui highlighted the need to raise children not just as Ghanaians, but as global citizens, grounded in cultural values yet confident enough to assert themselves on the world stage.
“You see it in Japanese or South Asian cultures—extremely respectful people who also have strong agency. We can do both. Why can’t we raise children who are both Ghanaian and globally confident?” she stated.
She urged parents to take the time to understand each child’s unique personality and strengths, stressing that identifying even small talents, such as a child being great at cleaning or drawing, can be the foundation of lifelong confidence.
“If they’re good at something, we can build from there. Even saying your name with pride can be the start of something powerful,” she said.
Watch the video below:
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