World Social Work Day observed at UGMC

Dr. Anim-Boamah mentioned that the theme for this year’s celebration was Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change. According to Dr. Anim-Boamah “Buen Vivir” which is a Spanish word, means ‘good living’ or ‘living well’. He explained that this year’s theme was rooted in the global agenda which emphasized the need for all social workers to adopt innovative, community-led approaches grounded in indigenous wisdom and in harmonious co-existence with nature. He said the UGMC wanted to take advantage of the World Social Work Day celebrations to enlighten everyone on the importance of interprofessional collaboration with the Social Work Department in a quaternary facility such as the UGMC. He added that the work of the Department greatly enhanced the well-being of the staff of the Centre, patients, as well as their families and this played a huge part in harmonious co-existence.

The Head of the Social Work Department at UGMC, Mrs. Gloria Afful, gave a lecture on the good, and the bad, as well as the possibilities for Social Work within healthcare settings. She spoke about the incredible impact that her department was making in the lives of patients and families at the Centre. Mrs. Afful also touched on some of the challenges facing the Department such as the constant need for funds to assist needy patients, vehicles to do consistent follow-ups on certain clients to ensure their proper re-integration as well as the lack of recognition of the Department by other departments. She also played a touching video on the impact of their work on the lives of several patients and pleaded for support from benevolent Ghanaians to be able to impact the lives of more patients.

The Director of Medical Affairs of UGMC, Dr. Baffoe Gyan reiterated the importance of social work in health care settings and proposed the establishment of a Social Welfare fund to help the Department assist vulnerable and needy clients who were constantly knocking on the Centre’s doors for support.  Mrs. Ofori-Ayeh spoke about the tireless dedication and unwavering compassion shown by the social workers and also advised all to take the theme for the year “Buen Vivir” seriously to take very good care of themselves. The Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, UGMC, Mrs. Judith Asiamah encouraged all social workers to continue with their excellent contribution towards quality healthcare for patients. 

The atmosphere of the celebrations was that of positivity and motivation, as everyone came together to celebrate the hard work and achievements of these selfless individuals who work at the UGMC Social Work Department. The occasion was also graced with the presence of a team from Central University led by Mrs. Margaret Amedeke-Edusei, a Social Work lecturer at the University, who encouraged every individual present at the celebrations to become a Social Work ambassador. She also pleaded with all stakeholders to expedite ongoing efforts to make Social Work a recognized professional body in Ghana.

Participants left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those they served.