By Nana Achiaa Aboagye
Inadequate funding and lack of social amenities remain the major challenges facing the Weija Leprosarium in Accra. The Chairman of the Lepers Aid Committee, Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell expressed the worry that people with leprosy are discriminated against at all places.
For him, many of the inmates find peace at the centre since they are not stigmatized and their needs are taken care of. He expressed these sentiments when the 2018 Alumni of the University of Ghana Business School donated some items to the Weija Leprosarium as part of activities marking their 5th anniversary.
Over the years, the upkeep of cured lepers in Ghana has been the sole responsibility of the Lepers Aid Committee. They engage in other activities to generate revenue to ensure that the cured lepers are adequately catered for. The leprosarium is also receiving support through media advocacy, LEAP, the Disability Fund, and donations from benevolent organizations.
The Chairman of the Lepers Aid Committee, Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell enumerated some of the challenges facing the Weija Leprosarium in Accra. One of the Key challenges at the Leprosarium and other leprosy centers in the country is that most of the inmates are abandoned and neglected by family members.
He urged Ghanaians to be empathetic towards the cured lepers and do away from all forms of stigmatization. He bemoaned the inhumane treatment families and society, in general, give to the cured lepers. He has since dedicated himself to sensitizing the populace against stigmatizing the lepers.
Rev. Father Campbell said several programs has been instituted to raise funds to support the inmates. Some of the future plans for the Weija Leprosarium include a rehabilitation center, sports facility, event center, research center, adoration chapel, administration, kitchen among others.
To support the Leprosarium, the 2018 Alumni of the University of Ghana Business School donated some items to the inmates as part of activities marking their 5th anniversary. The Chairman of the 5th anniversary committee, Mr. Noah Charles Okaijah said the group was happy to support the welfare of the inmates. The items donated included bags of rice, beverages, and other food items.
Rev. Fr. Campbell thanked the 2018 Alumni of the University of Ghana Business School and used the opportunity to encourage Ghanaians to show love to the cured lepers and embrace them as part of society with respect and dignity.
