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A Roman Catholic priest builds Mosque for Muslims at his Leprosarium
A Roman Catholic Father in Ghana, Rev. Francis Andrew Campbell, has commissioned a mosque he constructed for Weija Leprosarium for Muslims as part of activities to commemorate his 77th birthday anniversary, which happened on March 27th, 2023.
The mosque is to serve Muslims at the leprosarium, which was established in 1949.
It was a beautiful moment of religious tolerance when the Chairman of the Hajj Board, Hon. Dr. Ben Abdallah, represented the Vice President of the Republic, H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, at the commissioning ceremony.
In attendance were Hon. Sam Okudzeto, a member of the Council of State; Mr. Jerry Ahmed Shuaibu, CEO of the Coastal Development Authority; and popular musician Akosua Agyapong.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, Hon. Ben Abdallah highlighted the symbolism of this gesture in promoting freedom of worship, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among various religious groups. He also wished him a happy birthday and prayed for longevity of life, blessings, and wisdom.
Rev. Father Campbell is the founder of the Lepers Aid Committee and parish priest of Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra.
Many people have commended him and said Ghana is indeed tolerable to religious groups.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell is an Irish-Ghanaian Catholic missionary. He is also the founder of the Lepers Aid Committee. The NGO has established and runs leprosaria programs in Weija, Ho, Nkanchina, and Kokofu.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, on March 27, 1946, he attended kindergarten at the Sisters of Charity School and de la Salle Primary School, both in Dublin.
He studied philosophy and theology, and through hard work and dedication, he obtained his Bachelor of Divinity Degree from St. Patrick’s College in the United Kingdom in October 1970.
In December 1970, he was ordained into the Catholic priesthood.
Father Campbell arrived in Ghana in October 1971 as a missionary priest in the Society of the Divine Word and has worked in several parishes, including Osu, Holy Spirit Cathedral, Sacred Heart, and Christ the King, all in Accra.
His activities are not only limited to the area of rehabilitating lepers.
In 1978, he opened the Sacred Heart Parish Middle School in Accra, and two years later, he founded and opened the Sacred Heart Vocational Institute for poor and needy students in Accra Central.
Father Campbell, an executive member of the Leprosy Aid Committee, was formed in 1993.
He has served in many Catholic parishes in Accra, including Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, St. Peter’s Parish in Osu, Sacred Heart Parish in Accra, and Christ the King Parish in Cantoments.
He also established the Sacred Heart Vocational Institute.
