Ghana has taken a significant step toward strengthening its response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) with the convening of a National Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Held on Friday, 12 December 2025, the conference brought together a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including policymakers, Members of Parliament, traditional and faith leaders, transport unions, civil society organizations, development partners, academia, and the media. The gathering examined the critical role of men and boys in building a just, safe, and equitable society.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, underscored that men and boys are central to efforts to prevent SGBV. She stressed that promoting positive masculinity benefits society as a whole by challenging harmful norms that suppress emotional expression, fuel violence, and create unsafe environments in homes and communities.
Dr. Lartey highlighted several government-led initiatives 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.
“This conference sets the stage for a national conversation on rethinking masculinity,” she said. “Positive masculinity empowers men to lead with empathy, responsibility, and respect, helping to build safer families and peaceful communities.”
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 cultural, religious, and traditional gender norms can be transformed to promote dignity, equality, and mutual respect.
Representing the Chief of Staff, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, emphasized that every act of gender-based violence “weakens the soul of our nation.” He clarified that the conference was not intended to blame men, but rather to inspire them to act as protectors, peacemakers, and role models in their families and communities.
“When men speak up, cultures shift. When men choose respect, households transform,” he stated.
The conference featured presentations on positive masculinity, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and men’s mental health, highlighting how redefining masculinity and addressing mental health challenges can contribute to safer homes and communities.
Held as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the National Men’s Conference is expected to become an annual platform to deepen dialogue, strengthen community action, and accelerate policy implementation toward ending all forms of violence in Ghana.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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