The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has marked the International Men’s Day.
The celebration, themed “Men’s Health Champions,” was in line with the global observance of International Men’s Day, established in 1999 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago.
The event which was the first to be marked on campus aims to spotlight positive male role models, raise awareness of issues affecting men, and promote inclusivity and community among men.
Delivering the keynote address, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. George K. T. Oduro underscored the critical importance of addressing men’s health issues and lauded CEGRAD for its thoughtful theme selection.
He extensively highlighted the harmful effects of societal pressures tied to toxic masculinity on men’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being indicating that “toxic masculinity expectations from society, like men not crying, often compelled men to engage in risky activities that affect their health.”
Former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. George K. T. Oduro
Prof. Oduro emphasized the collective responsibility of stakeholders—men, women, and society—to prioritize men’s health concerns and urged men to lead the advocacy for their well-being by acknowledging their vulnerabilities.
He said, “It is time for men to recognize their vulnerability to diseases and become more sensitive to their health issues.”
He also encouraged wives to foster supportive environments for their husbands to share their stresses openly.
The event featured a panel discussion on the topic, “Men’s Health Issues: The Role of Various Stakeholders,” moderated by Dr. Eric Koka from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
The panel included Prof. Stephen Doh Fia, Department of Guidance and Counselling, Prof. Jerry Paul Kukye-Ayiri Ninnoni, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mr. Mohammed Najimudeen Abdulai, Head of Student Records Section, Directorate of Academic Affairs and Detective Chief Inspector Benjamin Wilson, a Counsellor at the Regional Police Headquarters, Cape Coast.
Members of the panel with other dignitaries at the event
The panelists encouraged men to seek counselling, undergo regular medical check-ups, and reduce the stigma around mental health by raising awareness.
In his remarks, the Chairman for the celebration, Prof. James Atta Peprah, who represented the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng reiterated the value of prioritizing health.
“Health is wealth and should therefore not be taken for granted,” he noted.
The celebration marks a significant step in fostering a broader understanding and appreciation of men’s health and its impact on society.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC