Accra: The Social Workers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has revealed at its inaugural Social Workers Conference that Ghana is without a single standard shelter facility for juveniles and vulnerable populations across the country. Mr Divine Arnold Kodjo Exorgbe, National President of SWAG, highlighted that the nation lacks standard shelter facilities in its sixteen regions, including the districts, as government institutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Exorgbe emphasized the dilapidated state of existing institutions like Remand Homes, Correctional Centres, Destitute Homes, and Shelters for Abused Victims. He questioned how Ghana could progress if it continued to neglect the needs of its vulnerable populations, urging the government to direct metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies to establish at least one shelter in their respective areas.
SWAG also discussed the necessity of a Social Protection Fund to tackle other vulnerability issues within the country. Despite efforts by the Ghanaian gov
ernment and donor partners to alleviate challenges faced by vulnerable groups, Mr Exorgbe noted a significant gap in financial support. He acknowledged existing interventions like the Disability Fund, support from the Ghana Aids Commission, UNICEF’s Integrated Social Services, and the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Programme, but stated these were inadequate.
Mr Exorgbe pointed out the absence of support for foreign children begging on the streets, ageing vulnerable groups, trafficked children, and victims of domestic violence. He called on the government to address the social exclusion faced by these groups, noting that current reliance on assemblies by social works departments often fails to meet the needs of the vulnerable.
SWAG proposed the establishment of a ‘Social Protection Fund’ to bridge financial gaps and provide necessary resources, such as vehicles for social development activities. The conference also served as a platform to engage stakeholders and present a position paper on several l
egislative matters, including the Professional Social Work Bill and the Aged Bill.
Additionally, SWAG advocated for representation on Inter-Ministerial Committees to ensure that issues of vulnerability are adequately addressed. Established in 2017, SWAG aims to unite social workers, promote the profession, and advocate for marginalized and vulnerable groups in society.
