Father Campbell SVD Foundation Transforming Lives of Ghana’s Marginalized
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
Across Ghana, vulnerable children, street kids and cured lepers are finding hope and opportunity through the work of the Father Campbell SVD Foundation.
The organisation has become a lifeline for those often overlooked, providing care, education and support that empower individuals to live with dignity.
Founded to consolidate decades of charitable work, the foundation continues the lifelong mission of Father Campbell SVD, a Catholic priest and member of the Society of the Divine Word, who devoted more than 50 years to helping marginalized communities.
Speaking to the New Finder on the foundation’s work, Rev. Father James Wormenor, Executive Director of the Father Campbell SVD Foundation, explained that Father Campbell SVD brought all his initiatives under one umbrella upon retirement to ensure continuity and greater impact.
According to him, the foundation now operates through four key programs.
The Leapers Aid, which focuses on cured lepers across Ghana, particularly at Weija Leproserium and extends to settlements in Kokofu (Ashanti Region), Ho, Ankaful (Cape Coast), Wa and Nkanchina. “We provide accommodation, feeding, medical care and social support to help them live dignified lives.” he noted.
Rev. Father Wormenor revealed that while these individuals are cured, they often face stigmatization and rejection from families and society, making the foundation’s support crucial for their reintegration.
The second program, Mother Theresa Soup Kitchen, targets street children. Originally, he said the initiative offered a daily hot meal and brief teachings, after which children returned to the streets. He noted that the program has now evolved to provide accommodation, meals and structured education at Weija Leproserium. Children participate in an Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) lasting eight to nine months before proceeding to technical and vocational training.
He noted in the ALP that participants are referred to as learners rather than street children, reflecting the foundation’s focus on dignity and empowerment.
The third program he said provides support for PML Hospital, where Father Campbell SVD served as board chairman for decades. He revealed that while the foundation does not directly manage the hospital, it provides essential resources and assistance to improve healthcare delivery and patient services.
The fourth program focuses on St. Andrew Hospital in Kodiebe. Originally established by Father Campbell SVD as a health centre, it has since grown into a fully operational hospital. According to him, the foundation continues to provide medical resources, equipment and support to ensure quality healthcare services.
He emphasized that the foundation’s work extends beyond material support. “Father Campbell SVD’s vision is holistic. We aim to ensure that vulnerable individuals, whether cured lepers or street children, are treated with dignity, empowered through education and skill development, and fully integrated into society,” he said.
According to him, through these four programs, the Father Campbell SVD Foundation continues to bring hope, care and opportunity to marginalized communities, reflecting Father Campbell’s lifelong dedication to compassion, service, and social inclusion.
