Sekondi: Boy Child Day was commemorated across three municipalities in the Western Region, namely Sekondi, Tarkwa, and Asankragwa, with the Golden Tree Foundation leading the initiative. Supported by philanthropists, the event focused on engaging students around the theme of 'Positive Masculinity.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the celebrations at Nana Nketiah Municipal Assembly School in Essikado saw Mr. Andrews Ofori Larbi, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Western Regional Director, urging students to prioritize their education. He emphasized the importance of education in achieving their aspirations and highlighted the competitive edge educated individuals possess over their non-educated counterparts.
Madam Gloria Addisu Hasford, founder of the Golden Tree Foundation, addressed the boys, encouraging them to express emotions and seek support from parents and teachers to maintain their mental health. She advocated for improving societal relationships and healthy competition, urging the students to avoid aggression in their quest for recognition.
In Asankragwa, boys from Buadum Junior High School engaged with officials from the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice and the Ghana National Fire Service. Mr. Bismark Addo and ADO1 Ebenezer Eshun emphasized responsible manhood, fostering values like honesty, respect, humility, and self-discipline to become productive citizens.
The facilitators underscored positive masculinity, portraying true manhood as responsible conduct, respect, emotional discipline, kindness, and peaceful behavior. The students were advised to resist negative peer pressure, bullying, and substance abuse, focusing instead on their future goals.
At Saint Mary's Catholic School in Wassa Nsuta, Elder David Amoyaw of the Church of Pentecost inspired students to aim for great achievements that benefit their communities. He urged them to avoid social vices such as drug abuse and disrespect, stressing the broader scope of education beyond the classroom.
The Golden Tree Foundation engaged a total of 278 boys during this year's Boy Child Day celebrations. The international event, highlighting boys' wellbeing and challenges while celebrating their achievements, was founded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh.