For more than five decades, Andrew Campbell has devoted his life to serving society’s most vulnerable, particularly persons affected by leprosy.
As the Catholic priest marks his 80th birthday on Friday, March 27, he is appealing to institutions, philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to support his efforts to care for street children and lepers in Ghana.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 3rd Ghana Development Awards in Accra, Father Campbell disclosed that caring for the vulnerable, especially those at the Weija Leprosarium, has become increasingly challenging 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. “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.”
The Ghana Development Awards, organised by The Business Executive Group, recognises and celebrates individuals and institutions whose work contributes significantly to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
Born in Dublin in 1946, Father Campbell 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, dedicating much of his life to advocacy and support for marginalised groups.
As Founder and Executive Director of the Ghana Lepers Aid Committee, Father Campbell has led initiatives that have transformed the lives of hundreds of vulnerable people across the country.
Reflecting on his lifelong commitment to the poor, he 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.
As he celebrates his 80th birthday, Father Campbell is urging his admirers and the broader public to support the humanitarian cause he has championed for decades.
“Do you give back to God for all the blessings He gives you?” he asked. “For your social responsibility, don’t forget God.”
Meanwhile, Executive Director of Associates for Change, Leslie Casely-Hayford, underscored the importance of modelling positive change within communities as a pathway to Africa’s development.
According to her, strengthening moral education among young people is essential for national progress.
“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.
