The Centre of Excellence for Gender, Disability and Advocacy, CEGENDA, of Takoradi Technical University, TTU, has encouraged men to intentionally build resilience as a critical tool for thriving through midlife and beyond.
This call was made during a keynote address delivered at the 2025 International Men’s Day celebration, organised by CEGENDA under the theme “Navigating the Midlife Crossroads: Strategies for Men to Thrive in the Second Half of Life.” The keynote speaker, Chief Executive Officer of Takoradi Mall and professional counsellor, Mr. Theophilus Quartey, stressed that resilience has become an indispensable value for men in today’s rapidly changing world.
According to Mr Quartey, mounting pressures arising from work, family responsibilities and societal expectations make it imperative for men to cultivate the capacity to adapt, recover and remain purposeful during challenging periods of life.
“Resilience must be part of every man’s core values. The world is becoming increasingly demanding, and men are under constant pressure from multiple directions. Giving up is not an option. One value we must live by is resilience, because we still have a responsibility to remain strong and purposeful,” he stated.
Mr Quartey further urged men to exercise authority responsibly and to adopt a positive mindset towards life. He advised men to focus on constructive perspectives and resist being overwhelmed by negative influences.
“Authority remains a critical value for men. Where it is challenged or diminished, it must be reclaimed through dialogue and assertiveness. At the same time, the influence around us is often negative, so developing a positive mindset is essential. Seeing the positive in our circumstances, including in our families and workplaces, is key to surviving and thriving in this era,” he added.
He also encouraged men to build strong families and meaningful relationships, remain relevant in their careers, invest in professional networks and prioritise self-care, emphasising that men’s wellbeing matters.
Contributing to the discussion, the Vice-Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, outlined three key pillars for thriving beyond midlife: wellbeing, connection and purpose. He emphasised that physical, mental and emotional health should be treated as responsibilities rather than afterthoughts, encouraging men to seek medical care, openly discuss mental health challenges and adopt healthier lifestyles.
He further highlighted the value of strong relationships, noting that meaningful connections with family, colleagues and the wider community are central to a fulfilling life. According to him, midlife presents an opportunity to strengthen bonds, repair strained relationships and create supportive environments where men can express themselves freely.
Rev. Prof. Eshun also encouraged men to pursue purposeful engagement through career advancement, mentorship, service, faith and personal passions, stressing that society continues to benefit from the leadership, experience and guidance that men in midlife can offer.
The Acting Medical Director of the TTU Medical Centre, Dr Diana Araba Eshun, in a presentation on healthy living, shared practical strategies for men aged 40 and above. She underscored the importance of regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management and routine medical check-ups, noting that proactive health habits strengthen both physical capacity and mental resilience.
On her part, the Director of CEGENDA, Dr Bertha Danso, who led the organisation of the event, stated that the celebration reaffirmed TTU’s commitment to promoting the holistic wellbeing and personal development of men.
She explained that International Men’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate men and their positive contributions to families, communities and society, while also creating a safe and honest platform to address the real challenges men face. She added that building resilience among men has far-reaching benefits for families, workplaces and the wider society.
