Accra-Wednesday, November 6, 2024: The Head of the Local Government Service, Ing. Dr. Nana Ato Arthur has urged social workers in Ghana to prioritize effective institutional coordination to enhance service delivery.
Speaking at the 2024 National Conference of the Social Workers Association of Ghana (SWAG) in Accra, Dr. Arthur emphasized that the event’s theme, “Positioning Social Work in the 21st Century in Ghana is Crucial for the Country’s Democracy, Decentralization, Growth, and Development,” aligns with the core mandate of Local Government staff. He highlighted the integral role social workers play in addressing social inequalities, poverty, and supporting vulnerable groups, including children, women, and marginalized communities.
Dr. Arthur outlined key strategies for improving social service delivery, such as fostering inter-sectoral partnerships with healthcare, education, and other relevant institutions, enhancing professional development through capacity-building programs, and advocating for policy changes that support social justice. He underscored the importance of these efforts in bolstering the capacity and resilience of social workers, ultimately fostering inclusive development.
He also noted the Local Government Service’s plans to introduce three new indicators in the performance contract: Gender-Based Violence, Community Mobilization, and Child Protection. He encouraged social workers to ensure the successful implementation of these measures through culturally sensitive programs developed in collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Arthur called for neutrality among social workers in the lead-up to the December 7, 2024, general election to maintain professionalism and impartiality.
Lawyer Sheila Minka-Premo, National Director of Community Development Judges, echoed Dr. Arthur’s sentiments and stressed the need to address structural challenges within social services to enhance coordination between Social Welfare and Community Development Departments. She advocated for passing the Social Work Profession Act and the Social Work Bill to set professional standards and ensure the active participation of social workers in policymaking with adequate resources.
The National President of SWAG, Mr. Exorgbe Arnold Kodjo Divine, expressed gratitude to Dr. Arthur for his guidance and assured him of the association’s commitment to upholding these recommendations to improve service delivery to individuals, families, and communities.