Ernest Dumor, 7 distinguished male role models honoured by JSA-IMD Prize 2020

Junior Shapers Africa (JSA), a non-governmental organisation in Ghana, focused on grooming and coaching male youth to become responsible men, has honoured eight distinguished positive male role models at the UNFPA Ghana office in commemoration of International Men’s Day 2020.

The eight included Professor Ernest Dumor, father of the late BBC Broadcaster, Komla Afeke Dumor, for his efforts to preserve his son’s great legacy through the initiation of the Komla Dumor Memorial Foundation.

The awardees were each given special citations for being worthy examples for young Ghanaian men at an event christened the JSA-IMD (International Men’s Day) Prize 2020.

**Founding Director of JSA, Mrs. Ethel Marfo presents citation of honour to UNFPA received by Deputy Country Representative, Madam Agnes Ntibanyurwa Ph.D**

UNFPA Ghana also received an honorary citation for being a gender balanced organisation by partnering JSA to involve, empower and honour men through JSA-IMD Prize 2020.

Ethel Marfo, Convener, JSA – IMD Prize 2020

The Convener for the JSA-IMD Prize 2020, Ethel Adjorlolo Marfo, said the men were carefully selected for possessing values worth emulating by young males.

“I am glad to say that these are not just men of integrity whose words you can trust. They are hardworking, passionate about what they do and have been great mentors to not just the young boys I coach but also role models to many young ones,” she said.

Ethel Marfo also used the occasion to charge men to make conscious efforts in mentoring young boys to become responsible future men and leaders.

Touching on ending gender-based violence, the UNFPA Country Director, Niyi Ojuolape, said men and women alike needed to be educated to play their respective roles.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY (IMD)

International Men’s Day was introduced in 1992 on 7 February by Thomas Oaster and was revived by Jerome Teelucksing, who chose 19 November to honour his father’s birthday.

This year’s International Men’s Day was targeted at “Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys”, “Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing” and “Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and positive masculinity”.

The JSA – IMD Prize 2020 was held in collaboration with UNFPA Ghana.

The event was supported and endorsed by IMD Global Network, Atlas Rent-A-Car, The Delse Shop, Domotale Africa and Kraftsmen Media Productions.

PREVIOUS EVENTS

In 20I7, Junior Shapers Africa (JSA) embarked on its first IMD observance by hosting an event with corporate men at Star Life Assurance Company Ghana Ltd.

The following year, JSA met with about 1,500 teenage boys at Achimota Senior High School to address challenges faced by teenage boys as they transition to adulthood.

JSA followed up with another event in 2019 when it held a fruitful durbar with working men at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to unmask their challenges and encourage them to speak about their issues. JSA also petitioned the United Nations through change.org to recognize the celebration of International Men’s Day globally for more impact and emphasis on Men’s issues.

ABOUT JUNIOR SHAPERS AFRICA

Junior Shapers Africa (JSA) is the premier male youth personal development organisation, championing the “Raising Boys Right” Advocacy in all of Africa.

Its focus is to groom, counsel, and coach male youth to become responsible future men on the continent.

List of JSA-IMD Prize 2020 Recipients

■UNFPA Ghana

~Organisation of The Year For Balanced Gender Development

■Professor Ernest Dumor

~Exemplary Senior Citizen Honour

Founder/Initiator, Komla Dumor Memorial Foundation

■Rev Jerry E.K Adjorlolo & Rev Joyce A. Adjorlolo

~Exemplary Senior Citizens Honour

Assemblies of God Ministers & Former Missionaries (Ghana &Gambia)