By Erica Apeatua Addo,
Tarkwa (W/R), June 10, GNA-Golden Tree Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, with support from some philanthropists, has commemorated the 2026 Boy Child Day with students in Sekondi, Tarkwa and Asankragwa in the western region.
The global theme for this year was “Positive masculinity”.
At the Nana Nketiah Municipal Assembly (MA) School at Essikado ,Mr. Andrews Ofori Larbi, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Western Regional Director ; encouraged the students to take their studies seriously because without it, their aforementioned aspirations would not be a reality.
He remarked that brand positioning for educated professionals was different from that for non-educated persons who had difficulty articulating their thoughts.
He said the two people could never compete as the former would always be chosen above the latter.
Madam Gloria Addisu Hasford, the founder of Golden Tree Foundation; told the boys that it was fine to express emotions and seek help from their parents and teachers instead of containing all to preserve their mental health.
She implored them to improve their relationships with others in society as against the traditional perception that showing emotions was a sign of weakness.
Madam Hasford advocated healthy competition at school and home, instead of being too aggressive in their quest to be noticed and win at all times.
In Wassa Amenfi West Municipality, boys from Buadum Junior High School in Asankragwa were engaged by Mr. Bismark Addo and Assistant Divisional Officer Grade one (ADO1) Ebenezer Eshun, officials from the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice and the Ghana National Fire Service.
During the engagement, the facilitators spoke extensively on the need for boys to grow into responsible and purposeful men who would contribute positively to society.
The students were entreated to cultivate values such as honesty, respect, humility, hard work and self discipline in order to become productive citizens in future.
Also, they highlighted the concept of positive masculinity, explaining that true manhood was reflected in responsible conduct, respect for others, emotional discipline, kindness and peaceful behaviour rather than aggression, violence or misconduct.
The boys were advised to avoid negative peer pressure, bullying, substance abuse and other social vices that could affect their future ambitions but rather remained focused on their goals.
At the Saint Mary’s Catholic School boys at Wassa Nsuta benefited from this year’s event when Elder David Amoyaw of the Church of Pentecost inspired them to go for greater exploits to position them to impact their communities positively
These could be achieved if they eschewed social vices like drug abuse, juju for fighting, love for money, disrespect of elders and colleagues and many more, he stressed
Madam Mawuena Atta of Golden Tree Foundation, on her part, reminded the students that education went beyond the classroom, so they should strive to be better for themselves wherever they were in society.
A total of two hundred and seventy-eight boys were engaged for the 2026 boy child day by Golden Tree Foundation.
International boy child day which highlights the importance of boys’ wellbeing and the challenges they face while celebrating their achievements was founded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Erica Apeatua Addo