Int’l Men’s Day: Male role models Ghanaian young men should look up to

Men, although according to history books were created first, as well as being head of the family in many homes across the globe, are arguably least appreciated between the two main genders.

The aforementioned, despite being debatable, has brought to light the observation of International Men’s Day.

According to Wikipedia, the event is celebrated on 19th November annually with the objectives of the celebration set out in sic pillars.

The six pillars of International Men's Day include focusing on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, highlighting discrimination against men, and promoting male role models.

It is an occasion to celebrate boys and men's achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and childcare.

As part of the celebrations, www.ghanaweb.com has compiled a list of some prominent men worthy to be emulated by young men in Ghana.

1. Kofi Annan



He is known to have been the first African to head the United Nations. As a diplomat, Kofi Annan served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006.

Annan and the UN were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. He was the founder and chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as chairman of The Elders, an international organization founded by Nelson Mandela.

Among his many legacies include the ability to maintain his Ghanaian English accent despite being the most travelled diplomat in the country.

This feat is especially worthy of emulation by young men in an era where people adopt the accents of countries they travel to regardless of the duration of their stay.

2. Patrick Awuah



Patrick Awuah is the founder and president of Ashesi University, a private, not-for-profit institution that has quickly gained a reputation for innovation and quality education in Ghana.

Before founding Ashesi University, Patrick worked as a Program Manager for Microsoft where, among other things, he spearheaded the development of dial-up internetworking technologies and gained a reputation for bringing difficult projects to completion.

Mr. Awuah is also known for his excellent interactivity and relationship with his students.

He constantly encourages the youth to be proactive and pursue their passions and dreams regardless of their age.

3. Azumah Nelson

Arguably the greatest African boxer of all time, the former WBC featherweight and two-time super featherweight champion is widely admired by all.

Affectionately referred to as Professor Zoom Zoom by his fanbase, Azumah Nelson has also used his status and experience to organise fight nights aimed at training the youth to appreciate the sport.

He has been commended on several occasions by government for his role in marketing Ghana on the international front.

He’s also known for his meek countenance and being soft spoken.

4. Kwame Despite



Chief Executive Officer of the Despite Group Ltd is Osei Kwame, popularly known by all as Kwame Despite is a business mogul with an ‘enormous’ heart also worthy of emulation by young men in Ghana.

Despite Group Ltd a trading company with subsidiaries in the media industry namely, Peace FM which is the largest and the most popular FM station in the country, Okay FM, Neat FM both in Accra and Hello FM in Kumasi.

Among several other philanthropic ventures, Kwame Despite has built and donated a Police Station to Tesano Police as well as a children’s ward at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

He’s an example of persons who defied their humble beginnings to aim for the highest possible feat.

5. Reggie Rockstone



The title ‘Grandpapa’ resonates every time his name pops up in conversations. Born Reginald Yaw Asante Ossei, Reggie Rockstone is arguably credited with the introduction of the ‘Hiplife’ genre of music in Ghana.

He has against several odds maintained his relevance in the music industry as well as his looks.

Reggie Rockstone has collaborated and groomed several hiplife artistes in the industry.

Despite being in his 50’s, the Godfather of Hiplife can easily pass for a man in his thirties due to his energetic performances and dance moves; he’s still got it.

Not only is he into music. Reggie Rockstone owns a popular bar called 'Reggie's Office'.

6. Kwame Nkrumah



This list would have been incomplete without the presence of the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana. His persona embodies perseverance, hard work and resilience.

Dr Kwame Nkrumah led the Gold Coast to independence from Britain in 1957, the first African country to do so. An influential advocate of pan-Africanism he was also a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity, now AU and winner of the Lenin Peace Prize in 1962.

His numerous legacies which have defined the development of the country include the building of the Akosombo Dam, the main source of hydroelectricity in the country.

During his administration, the Tema Harbour, Tema Motorway, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Peduase Lodge and many others were constructed.