Veteran Catholic priest and humanitarian Father Andrew Campbell is appealing to institutions, philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to support his work caring for persons affected by leprosy and vulnerable street children in Ghana.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 3rd Ghana Development Awards in Accra, Father Campbell said sustaining care for residents of the Weija Leprosarium and street children has become increasingly difficult due to limited resources.
“For the past few months it’s been difficult at Weija. So if there is any institution or anyone looking for an NGO to support, please come to me,” he appealed.
The priest, who turns 80 on Friday, March 27, said the cost of providing daily care for the vulnerable continues to rise, placing strain on the support systems he has relied on for decades.
“It’s not easy taking care of street children and the lepers. I have to feed them, clothe them, provide three meals a day and look after them, so I really need assistance because I want to give these children a home to live in,” he said.
Father Campbell has spent more than five decades serving some of Ghana’s most marginalised communities, particularly persons living with leprosy. As Founder and Executive Director of the Ghana Lepers Aid Committee, he has led initiatives that provide healthcare, shelter, food and dignity to hundreds of vulnerable people.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1946, he was ordained a Catholic priest in December 1970 and arrived in Ghana the following year as a missionary. Over the years, he has served in various pastoral and humanitarian roles within the Catholic Church while championing advocacy for neglected groups.
Reflecting on his lifelong commitment, Father Campbell acknowledged that some people struggle to understand his mission.
“Some people think I’m crazy because I’ve given all my life to taking care of the lepers. Others say I’m crazy because I’m taking care of street children. But I’m crazy for Christ. It is a blessing to take care of the poor,” he said.
He also urged individuals and organisations to embrace social responsibility by supporting vulnerable members of society.
“Do you give back to God for all the blessings He gives you?” he asked. “For your social responsibility, don’t forget God.”
The Ghana Development Awards, organised by The Business Executive Group, recognises individuals and institutions whose work contributes significantly to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
At the event, Executive Director of Associates for Change, Leslie Casely-Hayford, also stressed the importance of strengthening moral education among young people as part of efforts to drive Africa’s development.
According to her, focusing solely on academic achievement without instilling values could limit the long-term progress of young people.
“I’ve realised that it’s not only academic education we should strive for,” she said. “Moral education helps children understand the values that can lift them out of poverty and equip them with the skills and development steps they need.”
The 2026 Ghana Development Awards honoured several individuals and institutions for their contributions to health, education, finance, environmental sustainability, vocational development and human rights protection across the country.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com