Between 9th and 17th March, 2024, a delegation comprising officers from Nsawam Adoagyiri and Suhum municipalities embarked on a transformative visit to the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in Germany. The delegation’s objective was to foster cooperation and knowledge-sharing in administrative practices, particularly focusing on local health and social welfare planning and implementation.

Organized by the Centre for Planning and Development of Social Services (ZPE) at Universitat Siegen, in collaboration with the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein and funded by Engagement Global on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the visit aimed to achieve several key goals:

• Gain insights into each other’s administrative structures, processes, and practices.
• Share expertise on local health and social welfare planning and implementation.
• Exchange ideas and experiences on current challenges and solutions.
• Identify areas for potential future cooperation and collaboration.

The Ghanaian delegation included esteemed officials from both municipalities, such as Hon. Isaac Kwadwo Buabeng, Mr. Jeremiah Agyekum Amoafo, Mr. Frederick Antwi, Mr. Patrick Odei Opong, Dr. Augustine Komla Ankuvie, Hon. Margaret Darko, Mr. Osman Hamidu, Mrs. Matilda Abena Gatseku, and Mrs. Margaret Oforiwaa Dwamena, representing various sectors including municipal governance, planning, social welfare, and health.

During their stay, the delegation engaged with high-profile officials and institutions in Siegen-Wittgenstein, including Andreas Muller (Landrat Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein), Heike Dongowski (State Chancellery of North Rhine Westphalia), Petra Vogel (Vice Rector, University of Siegen), and other notable personalities involved in social services, healthcare, and local governance.

The visit provided a deep dive into Siegen-Wittgenstein’s well-structured social and health services. Of particular interest was the district’s approach to addressing issues like illicit sex trade and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), where regulated legalization and health checks for sex workers were highlighted as potential models for consideration in Ghana.

Additionally, the delegation gained valuable insights into mental health services, including state-of-the-art therapies and facilities aimed at holistic patient recovery. Contrasts and similarities between social work practices in Siegen-Wittgenstein and Ghana were also explored, offering opportunities for mutual learning and improvement.

In conclusion, the visit was lauded as a significant step towards enhancing cooperation and understanding between the Ghanaian municipalities and Siegen-Wittgenstein. The delegates expressed gratitude to all partners and sponsors involved, including the Office of the Head of Local Government Service, ZPE Universitat Siegen, Engagement Global, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the people and government of Germany. Looking ahead, both sides are eager to continue this fruitful collaboration for the betterment of their respective communities.

Attached is the full report of the visit for readers interested in a detailed overview of the delegation’s experiences and insights gained during their trip to Siegen-Wittgenstein.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT OF VISIT TO SIEGEN-WITTGENSTEIN, GERMANY – MARCH 2024