“Father Andrew Campbell, SVD: Advocate for Ghana’s Marginalized”

Father Andrew Campbell, SVD: Advocate for Ghana’s Marginalized. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1946, Father Andrew Campbell’s upbringing instilled in him a profound sense of empathy and a mission to alleviate human suffering. Ordained as a Catholic priest in 1970 after studying Philosophy and Theology at St. Patrick’s College in the UK, his journey led him to Africa, inspired by the work of Christian missionaries on the continent.

Despite objections from his father, Father Campbell arrived in Ghana in 1971, joining the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) as a missionary priest. His commitment to the rejected and underprivileged in Ghana began then and has been lifelong.

Ghana, historically significant in Catholic missions in Africa, became the stage for Father Campbell’s mission. His arrival, though challenging, marked the beginning of his dedication to serving the marginalized.

Initially stationed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Osu, Accra, Father Campbell’s calling became clear: uplifting the marginalized and serving his community. Over the years, his roles expanded, from Youth Chaplain to Parish Priest at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and eventually to retirement as Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish in Accra.

Father Campbell’s impact transcends borders, earning him numerous national and international accolades. Notable among these are the Order of the Volta in 2001, the Millennium Excellence Award for Foreign Personality of the Decade in 2005, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in 2020.

His philanthropic efforts, including founding the Leper’s Aid Committee and various initiatives for the marginalized, have left a lasting legacy in Ghana. From educational institutions like the Sacred Heart Paris Middle School to support for cured lepers through the Lepers Aid Committee, Father Campbell’s compassion has touched countless lives.

Father Andrew Campbell’s legacy is not merely in awards but in the transformed lives of those he has served. Though he may reject the title of “saint,” his impact as a beacon of hope and compassion in Ghana is undeniable.