The Department of Social Work, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities in recognition and appreciation of the significant role played by social workers in society, joined the world in celebrating World Social Work Day on Monday, 27th March, 2023. As part of activities marking the day, a brief ceremony was held to launch a week-long programme of activities to be undertaken by students in the Department under the auspices of the Association of Students of Social Work (ASSOW).

In his opening remarks, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities, expressed his delight to be part of the celebration of World Social Work Day. Commenting on the theme “Respecting diversity through joint social action - The role of the Ghanaian social work student”, Prof. Ofori reiterated the University of Ghana’s conscious effort to embrace and promote diversity. He indicated that the establishment of the Office of Students with Special Needs (OSSN) and the recently approved Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA) are all practical steps taken by the University towards achieving this goal. The Provost, however, bemoaned the issue of stigmatization that people living with all forms of disability suffer and entreated the students to take a keen interest in areas such as this in order to make a meaningful impact in society. He wished ASSOW well in their week-long celebration and extended an invitation to them for further discussions on how the College can partner with the Association in future initiatives.

Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities

Prof. George Owusu, the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, also expressed his delight in joining the students and the Department to commemorate the Day. He rehashed the importance of studying Social Work at the University, as more people now appreciate the role of social workers in our society. According to Prof. Owusu, application for the undergraduate course in Social Work has seen a significant rise in the last two academic years. Therefore, he entreated the students to take their studies seriously in order to actualize the University of Ghana and the School of Social Sciences’ vision of being relevant to society, after which he wished them well in their celebrations.

Honourable Nii Noi Adumuah, Municipal Chief Executive, Adentan Municipality, Greater Accra

The Municipal Chief Executive of the Adentan Municipality, Honourable Nii Noi Adumuah in his remarks, applauded the Department of Social Work and their students’ association for their recent visit to his Municipality to educate communities on waste segregation and waste management. This he mentioned, has caused a significant improvement in the waste management habits of his constituents. Speaking on the theme for the celebration, Honourable Adumuah urged the students to embrace diversity, as everyone in our society is unique in one way or the other. He then pledged his continuous support to ASSOW and wished the students well in their week-long celebrations.

Professor Mavis Dako-Gyeke, Director, Centre for Ageing Studies

Dr. Vyda Mamley Hervie, Head ASSOW Advisory Committee Department of Social Work, School of Social Sciences

Prof. Mavis Darko-Gyeke, former Head of the Department of Social Work and the current Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies (CFAS) in her brief remarks, urged the students to work hard to become good ambassadors of the University, particularly after they graduate and go out into the world. Dr. Vyda Mamley Hervie, a lecturer at the Department of Social Work and head of the ASSOW Advisory Committee outlined the activities for the week and extended an invitation to the entire University community to come and participate in the celebration. She then declared the Social Work Week Celebrations duly launched, after which Mr. Jacob Okai, a student with special needs, entertained the audience with a solo rap music performance.

The ceremony was held at the forecourt of the Department of Social Work, School of Social Sciences. It was well-attended by students of the Department of Social Work, as well as students from other units within the College of Humanities and the University of Ghana.

University Officials at the event pictured with ASSOW Executives

A cross-section of participants at the event