President of the Social Workers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Arnold Kodjo Divine Exorgbe, has been honoured with the Africa Social Work and Development Network Annual Award for 2025.
Devine Exorgbe received the award at a ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya, in July 2026, recognising his contribution to social work and social development in Africa.
Receiving the award, Arnold Exorgbe expressed gratitude to the Africa Social Work and Development Network, describing the recognition as a major highlight of his career.
He also credited the achievement to the collective efforts of social workers and his team in Ghana, stressing that meaningful progress in social development is achieved through collaboration.
The Social Workers Association of Ghana is a professional body advocating for improved standards, ethical practice, social justice and better working conditions for social workers in Ghana.
However, the association says social workers continue to face significant challenges, including inadequate resources, limited opportunities for professional training and the absence of comprehensive legislation governing the profession.
Arnold Kodjo Divine Exorgbe is therefore calling on government and key stakeholders, including Parliament, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Attorney-General’s Office and Cabinet, to expedite the passage of the Professional Social Work Bill.
He says the legislation is critical to strengthening the profession, protecting social workers and improving the delivery of social welfare services across the country.
According to him, inadequate support and what he describes as poor treatment of some social workers by public officials have left many professionals demoralised and traumatised, despite the critical role they play in supporting vulnerable individuals and communities.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
