By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Ghana has taken a major step toward strengthening its response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) with the convening of a National Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, organised by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in collaboration with UNFPA.
Together policymakers, Members of Parliament, traditional and faith leaders, transport unions, civil society organisations, development partners, academia and the media, the conference examined the critical role of men in shaping a just, safe, and equitable society.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, stressed that men and boys are central to efforts to end sexual and gender-based violence. She explained that promoting positive masculinity benefits both men and women by dismantling harmful norms that suppress emotional expression, fuel violence, and create unsafe environments in homes and communities.
Dr. Lartey highlighted several 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 systems such as the Orange Support Centre and the Boame App.
“This conference sets the stage for a national conversation on rethinking masculinity,” she noted. “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 aligned with UNFPA’s global male engagement agenda. He noted that deeply rooted cultural, religious, and traditional gender norms can be transformed to promote dignity, equality, and shared responsibility.
Representing the Chief of Staff, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, described gender-based violence as a threat to national cohesion, saying every act of abuse “weakens the soul of our nation.” He clarified that the conference was not intended to blame men, but rather to inspire them to become protectors, peacemakers, and positive role models.
“When men speak up, cultures shift. When men choose respect, households transform,” he said.
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 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.
