Junior Shapers Africa pays courtesy call on Gender Minister 

As part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Day of the Boy Child, Junior Shapers AFRICA – JSA Boys Mentorship, led by its Founding Director, Mrs. Ethel Adjorlolo-Marfo, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, ahead of the official celebration slated for Friday, May 16, 2025.

The meeting created a platform for selected boys and their teachers to engage the Minister on key issues affecting boys’ development in Ghana.

 Discussions centered on raising awareness of boys’ challenges, bridging educational gaps, addressing school drop-out rates, strengthening support systems for boys, and promoting positive masculinity.

The selected boys from Christ the King School and Soul Clinic International School had an interactive discussion with the Minister, during which they emphasized the need for equal access to support systems for boys, the importance of giving boys the same attention and care as girls, and the need to encourage positive masculinity.

They also highlighted the importance of campaigns and workshops aimed at building the capacity of boys.

 Additionally, they called on parents to play a pivotal role in the lives of their sons.

JSA is a male child development initiative that has, since its inception, been committed to grooming boys who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society. 

Through advocacy, mentorship programmes, and community engagements, the organization is helping reshape the narrative around boys’ development and their role in achieving gender equality.

Speaking during the engagement, JSA’s Ambassador, Jeremiah Komla Mawunyo, highlighted the importance of recognizing boys’ unique struggles and called for more inclusive approaches to child development.

In her remarks,  Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey expressed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the welfare of both boys and girls. She emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing mentorship and empowerment programmes and assured the group of continued partnership in advancing gender equality and youth development.

Present at the meeting were the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, and the Director of the Department of Gender, Madam Faustina Acheampong, who both reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for such meaningful engagements.

The visit also featured a presentation of an advocacy petition and a renewed call on parents to play more active roles in the upbringing of their sons.