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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