On May 16, Ghana joined the world in marking Interna­tional Boy Child Day – a day set aside to reflect on the experi­ences, challenges, and potential of boys in our society.

While national efforts have rightly championed the empow­erment of girls, today is a timely reminder that boys, too, face unique hurdles that must be ad­dressed with equal urgency.

Across Ghana, many boys grow up navigating rigid expectations of masculinity. From an early age, they are taught that expressing emotion is a sign of weakness, that strength is defined by dom­inance, and that vulnerability is unmanly. These beliefs can hinder emotional development, leading to mental health struggles that are often overlooked or dis­missed.

In our schools, boys are fre­quently labelled as troublemakers rather than understood as young people in need of guidance and mentorship.

In our communities, many boys grow up without consistent male role models, with absentee fatherhood and economic pres­sures further complicating their paths. And in our homes, the boy child can often be assumed to be self-sufficient, receiving less nur­turing attention than needed.

Yet, Ghanaian boys are full of promise. They are future leaders, fathers, husbands, professionals, and agents of change. When we invest in their well-being – emo­tionally, mentally, spiritually, and socially – we help build a more balanced and just society. A boy raised with compassion, empa­thy, discipline, and confidence is more likely to become a man who respects others, values equali­ty, and contributes positively to national development.

International Boy Child Day is not about diminishing the prog­ress made in supporting girls. It is about balance. It is about recognising that the development of any nation including Ghana re­quires the holistic empowerment of all its children.

The Ministry of Gender, Chil­dren and Social Protection (MGC­SP) in a statement to mark the Day has pledged its commitment to promoting the wellbeing and development of children regard­less the gender.

It said “ we recognise that boys have the vision to create safe spaces where boys can expresss their feelings without judgement as well as provide emotional support for vulnerabil­ities.”

It is the hope of The Spectator that the Ministry will live to its promise to promote the well-be­ing of children and also provide safe spaces for boys.

The Spectator also calls for a collaborative action from parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to be inten­tional in mentoring and nurturing boys.

“Let us challenge harmful ste­reotypes and create safe spaces where boys can express them­selves, learn healthy behaviours, and understand that true strength lies not in aggression, but in char­acter.”

As we celebrate the boys of Ghana, let us also pledge to sup­port them in becoming the men our nation needs; responsible, respectful, and ready to lead with heart and purpose.