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Ghana Deepens Fight Against Gender-Based Violence with National Men’s Conference
Ghana has taken a significant step to strengthen its response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) with the organisation of a National Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The conference brought together policymakers, Members of Parliament, traditional and faith leaders, transport unions, civil society organisations, development partners, academia, and the media to examine the critical role of men in building a just, safe, and equitable society.
Addressing participants, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, underscored the central role of men and boys in ending sexual and gender-based violence. She explained that promoting positive masculinity benefits both men and women by challenging harmful norms that limit emotional expression, fuel violence, and create unsafe conditions in homes and communities.
Dr. Lartey highlighted key government-led initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality, including the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, the Social Protection Act, Men and Boys Clubs, mentorship programmes, Domestic Violence Response Centres in markets, and digital support platforms such as the Orange Support Centre and the Boame App.
According to her, the conference was designed to spark a nationwide conversation on rethinking masculinity. “Positive masculinity empowers men to lead with empathy, responsibility, and respect, helping to build safer families and peaceful communities,” she stated.
The UNFPA Resident Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, commended the Government of Ghana for championing a dialogue that aligns with UNFPA’s global male engagement agenda. He noted that deeply rooted cultural, religious, and traditional norms could be transformed to promote dignity, equality, and shared responsibility between men and women.
Representing the Chief of Staff, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, described gender-based violence as a serious threat to national cohesion, stressing that every act of abuse weakens the moral fabric of the nation. He clarified that the conference was not about blaming men, but about inspiring them to become protectors, peacemakers, and positive role models.
“When men speak up, cultures shift. When men choose respect, households transform,” he said.
By Spectator Reporter
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President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Libreville, Gabon, to participate in the inaugural Libreville International Forum for Innovation and Development, a high-level event that brings together Heads of State, government officials, global investors, and technology experts.
The forum, being held under the patronage of Mr Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, is on the theme “Political Stability, Business Climate, and Artificial Intelligence: Catalysts for Growth.”
The forum seeks to position Gabon as a regional innovation hub and key destination for international investment.
Organisers are holding the Forum to inaugurate the newly constructed Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Centre, which also serves as the venue for the Forum and as a future centre for international dialogue.
The forum will culminate in the “Libreville Declaration,” which will showcase the strategic political leaders’ commitments to enhancing governance, transparency, and digital integration across the continent.
President Mahama remains a strong advocate for fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between government policy and private-sector growth to ensure inclusive development.
Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has informed the New Patriotic Party’s 2028 flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, of his decision to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Mr. Agyarko disclosed this during a courtesy call on Dr. Bawumia on May Day.
According to a statement from his team, the visit gave him the opportunity to commend the former Vice President for his service to both the New Patriotic Party and the country.
During the meeting, Mr. Agyarko, together with members of his campaign team, formally notified Dr. Bawumia of his planned nationwide tour as part of his campaign for the National Chairman position.
He reaffirmed his support for the former Vice President and stressed the need for unity within the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Agyarko said the NPP must remain united and committed to securing victory in the next elections.
According to the statement, his nationwide tour is expected to begin in the Ashanti Region next week.
By: Jacob Aggrey
