By Priscilla Oye Ofori/ Ebenezer Annan
Accra, April 16, GNA – Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has called for enhanced professionalism among social workers to elevate the status and recognition of the profession.
She emphasized the need for increased attention to training and ethical standards as vital steps toward strengthening the field and reinforcing its impact in tackling societal issues.
The minister made these remarks during a visit by the Social Workers Association of Ghana (SWAG) in Accra on Wednesday.
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s premises, was part of events commemorating World Social Work Day, observed annually on the third Tuesday of March to celebrate the commitment of social workers.
Dr. Lartey encouraged the Association to make the profession more attractive and visible, noting that many people were unaware of its importance.
She said they ought to prove their worth by demonstrating their essential role in society to bridge the gaps in service provision.
The Minister noted that untrained individuals were sometimes hired for counseling services, undermining the professionalism of social workers.
She advised collaboration with the Ministry’s Departments of Social Welfare to address backlogs of cases and explore employment opportunities.
Dr. Lartey donated GHS 2,000 to the Association for World Social Work Day celebrations.
She also urged social workers to explore all available employment avenues to address the backlog.
Mr. Divine Arnold Kodjo Exorgbe, National President of SWAG and District Director of Social Welfare Community Development at Adenta Municipal Assembly, led the delegation and extended his congratulations to the Minister on her appointment.
He officially presented the association to the minister and advocated for the passage of the Professional Social Work Bill.
Mr. Exorgbe noted that when passed into law, Professional Social Work Bill would, among other things, help in the licensing of social workers, regulate professional operations, set up a council and board for them, and eliminate fake practitioners from the profession.
The Association discussed opportunities for trained unemployed social workers and those in training. They also presented a citation to UNICEF in recognition of its pioneering work in promoting children’s rights and well-being.
The delegation included SWAG executives, social work students from the University of Ghana on internship, and unemployed social workers.
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