The Resident Director of the Weija Leprosarium, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell has commended the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for what he describes as his "extraordinary support" for lepers in Ghana.
Speaking at the observation of World Leprosy Day held at the Weija Leprosarium, Accra, on Sunday, January 28, Father Campbell said on a day reserved for creating awareness against the stigmatization of lepers, it was important to commend one of the "pillars of support" for lepers in Ghana referring to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Dr. Bawumia was the Special Guest for the World Leprosy Day 2024.
The Vice President is also the Chief Patron of the Ghana Lepers Aid Committee and often spends special occasions such as Christmas and New Year festivities as well as holidays and his birthdays with the lepers.
The World Lepers Day is observed on the last Sunday of every January.
"Dr. Bawumia has never said no to us. Anytime we have called on him, even on short notice, he has responded positively and has never turned his back on us", Father Campbell emphasized.
"He comes here all the time to spend time with us, interact with us and eat with us. He helps a lot in the fight against stigmatization."
"He does not only come here, he also invites us to share special moments with him. When he moved into his official residence as Vice President, he invited us to share the moment", Father Campbell added.
Father Campbell, who has been head of the Weija Leprosarium for 50 years, further said the centre and lepers in Ghana in general "are privileged to have such a man, His Excellency Vice President Bawumia showing us such love to inspire against stigmatization".
"He has been a pillar for us, and to have someone like him always availing his time and supporting us, we can only be grateful to him and the Lord. May God bless you, Mr Vice President, for the extraordinary support."
Other stakeholders present at the event also lauded Dr. Bawumia saying "We are indeed privileged in Ghana to have the Vice President commemorating the World Leprosy Day. It doesn't happen elsewhere".
As part of activities marking that day, Dr. Bawumia made a cash donation to support the construction of a kitchen for the Weija Leprosarium.