News
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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Management and staff of Owass FM have announced the passing of media personality, comedian and politician Seth Kwame Dzokoto following a medical emergency during a live morning show discussion at the station earlier today.
According to the station, Dzokoto was participating in a panel discussion on its morning show “Oman Nkoso” when he suddenly took ill and collapsed.
A statement from the station said its team immediately rushed him to the hospital for medical attention, but he was pronounced dead by the attending medical doctor upon arrival.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident, which occurred in the course of our regular programming. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those who have been affected by his passing,” the statement said.
Management acknowledged that information about the incident is already circulating in the public domain, but appealed to the public and colleague media houses to respect the privacy of the bereaved family and refrain from circulating unverified information or speculation regarding the circumstances of his death.
Owass FM extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Seth Kwame Dzokoto.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The State through the Attorney General (AG) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the suspension of the trial in the case of The Republic v Hanan Aludiba and Faiza Seidu.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal suspended the trial in the case. But the prosecution says it has filed an appeal against the suspension order.
According to the update, the law does not allow a criminal trial to be suspended simply because an accused person has complained about some of the charges on the charge sheet, particularly when those complaints were dismissed as meritless.
It argues that if the Court of Appeal’s decision is allowed to stand, no prosecution will ever be possible, since all it would take for a trial to be suspended is an accused person complaining about anything on the charge sheet.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
