FROM ASPIRING DIPLOMAT TO ADVOCATE FOR FAMILIES: MY JOURNEY IN SOCIAL WORK

In 1999, as a young man entering the University of Ghana, I had a singular dream: to become like Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian-born Secretary-General of the United Nations. His vision for diplomacy, advocacy, and global peace inspired me to pursue a degree in social work at the University of Ghana. I saw social work as a pathway to creating meaningful change and addressing the structural inequalities affecting communities. My journey began there, and I graduated with First Class Honours, an achievement that opened doors for me to contribute as a teaching and research assistant at the University of Ghana.

As part of my national service, I worked at the School of Social Work in Osu, Accra, where I taught part-time. These early experiences strengthened my commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people and sharpened my skills in community engagement, education, and research. However, I realised that my ambition for global impact required me to seek further knowledge and opportunities.

In 2002, I came to England to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations at Keele University. My thesis, The Impact of Training and Development on the Retention of Social Workers, reflected my growing interest in the profession and its workforce challenges. Upon completing my degree, I registered with the then-General Social Care Council and started my career as a Social Work Assistant. This marked the beginning of my journey into frontline social work.

Progressing Through Social Work

In the years that followed, I embraced every opportunity to grow and contribute. I moved to Birmingham and progressed through various roles: Social Worker, Senior Social Worker, Senior Practitioner, Practice Supervisor, and Practice Educator. Each role provided a deeper understanding of the complexities within the system and the challenges faced by children, families, and social work professionals.

In 2013, I became an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO). This role allowed me to provide oversight for children in care, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs met. Simultaneously, I served as a Keeping the Church Family Safe officer in my local church. It was in this role that I observed a troubling disparity in services for minoritised communities.

I saw countless African and ethnic minority families struggle with child protection concerns, often due to cultural misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge about local safeguarding frameworks. This gap in understanding frequently resulted in children being accommodated into Local Authority care. Recognising the urgent need for culturally competent support, I brought together Ghanaian social workers I had met across the Midlands. In February 2018, the Ghanaian Social Workers Association (GHASWA) was born.

Founding GHASWA

GHASWA started as a small group of professionals united by a shared purpose: to support African families navigating the social care system. Over time, it grew into a powerful network. Through GHASWA, we have supported numerous families, offering guidance during child protection enquiries and facilitating reunifications.

During the pandemic, we launched GHASWA Outreach, a series of weekly online sessions on Facebook designed to educate and support families in real-time. These sessions provided a lifeline to families struggling with isolation, safeguarding concerns, and systemic barriers.

In September 2023, GHASWA hosted its first National Conference for Black and Minority Social Workers in the UK, which attracted over 80 participants. Titled Tackling the Challenges Faced by Ethnic Minority Social Workers in the UK, the event highlighted systemic inequities and proposed actionable solutions to support professionals and families alike.

Expanding the Vision: AFRIFASS CIC

While GHASWA made significant strides, it became clear that we needed a broader platform to reach families from diverse backgrounds. This led to the founding of African and Minority Families Support Services CIC (AFRIFASS) in December 2023.

AFRIFASS was established to provide bespoke, culturally competent support to African and minority families. In 2024, we are set to launch our flagship initiative: the Parenting Support for Minority Families Project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. This project will equip families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate parenting challenges while addressing cultural dynamics that often lead to safeguarding concerns.

Advocacy and Voluntary Work

My journey has been enriched by various voluntary roles. I served as a Safeguarding Parent Governor at a local school, where I championed child protection policies. As a trustee at the National Association of Independent Reviewing Officers (NAIRO), I worked to improve standards for children in care. I have also been part of the National Working Group for Child Abuse Linked to Faith and Belief, now known as SARA. Recently, I joined the African Heritage Collaborative Network, a coalition aimed at amplifying the voices of African communities in the UK.

Through these roles, I have seen firsthand the power of advocacy and collaboration. Whether supporting families through child protection enquiries or influencing policy discussions, I remain committed to championing the needs of minoritised communities.

Challenges and Triumphs

My passion for advocacy has not come without challenges. There have been times when my work was misunderstood or met with resistance. I have faced the loss of employment and opportunities while fighting for equitable treatment for families and professionals. Yet, these setbacks have only strengthened my resolve. I believe in the importance of standing firm for what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost.

The success stories make it all worthwhile. Seeing families reunited, children thriving, and social workers empowered to challenge systemic inequalities reminds me why I chose this path. I would not trade this journey for anything in the world.

Looking Ahead

As the CEO of AFRIFASS and President of GHASWA, I am excited about the future. I envision a society where every family, regardless of their background, has access to the support they need to thrive. I hope to continue fostering partnerships, creating spaces for dialogue, and delivering projects that make a tangible difference.

My journey—from aspiring diplomat to social work advocate—has been one of growth, purpose, and unwavering commitment. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve, and I look forward to continuing this work for years to come.

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” These words resonate deeply with me as I strive to build a legacy of empowerment, inclusion, and justice for families and communities across the UK.

As part of my national service, I worked at the School of Social Work in Osu, Accra, where I taught part-time. These early experiences strengthened my commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people and sharpened my skills in community engagement, education, and research. However, I realised that my ambition for global impact required me to seek further knowledge and opportunities.In 2002, I came to England to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations at Keele University. My thesis, The Impact of Training and Development on the Retention of Social Workers, reflected my growing interest in the profession and its workforce challenges. Upon completing my degree, I registered with the then-General Social Care Council and started my career as a Social Work Assistant. This marked the beginning of my journey into frontline social work.Progressing Through Social WorkIn the years that followed, I embraced every opportunity to grow and contribute. I moved to Birmingham and progressed through various roles: Social Worker, Senior Social Worker, Senior Practitioner, Practice Supervisor, and Practice Educator. Each role provided a deeper understanding of the complexities within the system and the challenges faced by children, families, and social work professionals.In 2013, I became an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO). This role allowed me to provide oversight for children in care, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs met. Simultaneously, I served as a Keeping the Church Family Safe officer in my local church. It was in this role that I observed a troubling disparity in services for minoritised communities.I saw countless African and ethnic minority families struggle with child protection concerns, often due to cultural misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge about local safeguarding frameworks. This gap in understanding frequently resulted in children being accommodated into Local Authority care. Recognising the urgent need for culturally competent support, I brought together Ghanaian social workers I had met across the Midlands. In February 2018, the Ghanaian Social Workers Association (GHASWA) was born.

Founding GHASWAGHASWA started as a small group of professionals united by a shared purpose: to support African families navigating the social care system. Over time, it grew into a powerful network. Through GHASWA, we have supported numerous families, offering guidance during child protection enquiries and facilitating reunifications.During the pandemic, we launched GHASWA Outreach, a series of weekly online sessions on Facebook designed to educate and support families in real-time. These sessions provided a lifeline to families struggling with isolation, safeguarding concerns, and systemic barriers.In September 2023, GHASWA hosted its first National Conference for Black and Minority Social Workers in the UK, which attracted over 80 participants. Titled Tackling the Challenges Faced by Ethnic Minority Social Workers in the UK, the event highlighted systemic inequities and proposed actionable solutions to support professionals and families alike.

Expanding the Vision: AFRIFASS CIC

While GHASWA made significant strides, it became clear that we needed a broader platform to reach families from diverse backgrounds. This led to the founding of African and Minority Families Support Services CIC (AFRIFASS) in December 2023.AFRIFASS was established to provide bespoke, culturally competent support to African and minority families. In 2024, we are set to launch our flagship initiative: the Parenting Support for Minority Families Project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. This project will equip families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate parenting challenges while addressing cultural dynamics that often lead to safeguarding concerns.

Advocacy and Voluntary Work

My journey has been enriched by various voluntary roles. I served as a Safeguarding Parent Governor at a local school, where I championed child protection policies. As a trustee at the National Association of Independent Reviewing Officers (NAIRO), I worked to improve standards for children in care. I have also been part of the National Working Group for Child Abuse Linked to Faith and Belief, now known as SARA. Recently, I joined the African Heritage Collaborative Network, a coalition aimed at amplifying the voices of African communities in the UK.

Through these roles, I have seen firsthand the power of advocacy and collaboration. Whether supporting families through child protection enquiries or influencing policy discussions, I remain committed to championing the needs of minoritised communities.Challenges and TriumphsMy passion for advocacy has not come without challenges. There have been times when my work was misunderstood or met with resistance. I have faced the loss of employment and opportunities while fighting for equitable treatment for families and professionals. Yet, these setbacks have only strengthened my resolve. I believe in the importance of standing firm for what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost.

The success stories make it all worthwhile. Seeing families reunited, children thriving, and social workers empowered to challenge systemic inequalities reminds me why I chose this path. I would not trade this journey for anything in the world.Looking Ahead

As the CEO of AFRIFASS and President of GHASWA, I am excited about the future. I envision a society where every family, regardless of their background, has access to the support they need to thrive. I hope to continue fostering partnerships, creating spaces for dialogue, and delivering projects that make a tangible difference.My journey—from aspiring diplomat to social work advocate—has been one of growth, purpose, and unwavering commitment. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve, and I look forward to continuing this work for years to come.

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” These words resonate deeply with me as I strive to build a legacy of empowerment, inclusion, and justice for families and communities across the UK.