General News of Monday, 19 April 2004

Source: GNA

Come back and help - Lecturer advises alumni

Accra, April 19, GNA - The head of the Social Works Department of the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr. Stephen Ayidiya has reminded alumni of the university to contribute their quota towards the development of their alma mater.

He said, that is one of the ways by which the numerous problems facing the various departments in the university could be addressed. Dr. Ayidiya gave the advice at an end-of-year dinner meeting held by the Association of Students of Social Works (ASSOW) as part of their week-long celebrations.

He observed that most African countries have failed to address the problem of poverty and high levels of vulnerability among women and children.

He attributed the failure to the approach with which the problems are tackled. He said the best way to hold such situations in check is to adopt the social work approach.

He cited Uganda and South Africa as nations, which have made headways in fighting their social problems because they employed social work techniques.

Dr Ayidiya, who is a former Minister of Tourism expressed worry that Ghana was not making effective use of the products of the Social Works Department.

He disclosed that it is one of the best of such institutions in Africa and that other nations on the continent were chasing and utilising the products at the expense of Ghana. On his part, the newly elected president of the association, Mr Elvis Mensah-Akora urged the members of the association to be magnanimous in their contributions towards the association. This, he said, would propel the development of the department and enhance its image.