Sarah Mens

Sarah Mens: A Pioneer in Social Work and Humanitarian Aid

Early Life and Education

Dr. Sarah Mens, a Ghanaian social worker and humanitarian, was born in Accra, Ghana, in 1957. Her dedication to community service and improving the lives of the underprivileged began at a young age.

Sarah Mens obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1979. She then pursued her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto, Canada, in 1982, specializing in community development and social policy.

Professional Career

Dr. Mens's professional career spans over four decades, working tirelessly to promote social justice and empower marginalized communities.

From 1983 to 1990, she worked with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ghana, focusing on community development projects, women's empowerment, and child welfare.

In 1991, Dr. Mens joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a Protection Officer, providing support to refugees and asylum seekers.

Director of Social Welfare

In 1997, Sarah Mens was appointed the Director of Social Welfare for the Republic of Ghana. During her tenure, she led the development and implementation of national social welfare policies, focusing on poverty reduction, social protection, and gender equality.

Under her leadership, Ghana introduced the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, a cash transfer initiative to support extremely poor households.

Founder and Executive Director of ORT Ghana

In 2008, Dr. Mens founded ORT Ghana, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rehabilitation and support services to survivors of torture and other forms of violence.

Since its inception, ORT Ghana has become a leading organization in Ghana, providing comprehensive care, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance, to victims of torture.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Sarah Mens has received numerous awards and recognition for her outstanding contributions to social work and humanitarian aid.

In 2013, she was honored with the "Order of the Volta," Ghana's highest national award, in recognition of her exceptional service to the nation.