Renowned Ghanaian media personality and cultural advocate, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, popularly known as KKD, has spoken about his approach to criticism surrounding his son, Kwaku Kyei-Darkwah, and his gender identity.
KKD addressed the subject during an interview with Borla Ray on Starr FM’s Starr Chat, where he was asked how he feels about people who attack or criticise his son over his identity and his association with the LGBTQ+ community.
Responding, KKD said his role as a father is not defined by aspects of his son’s life that are beyond his control. He explained that while he continues to love and support his son, he chooses to focus on what he can influence and leaves matters beyond his control to God.
“I love my son, Kwaku. He is intelligent. He is trans, so what? He’s a grown man . It doesn’t bother me. All I do is deal with what I have control over. The things I have no control over, I go on my knees and pray about, ” he said.
The Presidential Special Envoy to the Caribbean Region further reflected on the role of parents in raising children, arguing that children cannot simply be moulded or controlled according to their parents’ expectations. He described parents as guides who can provide direction to their children, but only to a certain point.
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“Parents are shepherds, not engineers. You can have a son or daughter who is autistic. Is that your fault? You can have a son or daughter who is disobedient — well, it could be your fault, it could be in your DNA. But, really, it’s not your fault,” he emphasized.
KKD also responded to people who question his authority as a father because of his son’s identity, maintaining that his responsibilities as a parent should not be defined by aspects of his son’s life that he cannot control. He also addressed instances where his son’s situation has been used to ridicule or attack the family.
Rather than responding with anger, KKD said such comments demonstrate a lack of understanding and instead evoke sympathy from him.
“When they say that, I don’t tell them I’m annoyed at their comments, I tell them ‘I pity you,’” he stated.
