News
Father Campbell receives honourary doctorate for humanitarian support
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in the Volta Region last Friday conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree on Reverend Father Andrew Campbell, a Catholic priest, for his unflagging impact on leprosy control, health and development in Ghana.
The ceremony which coincided with the 5th Congregation of the university at the main campus at Sokode-Lokoe, near Ho, was witnessed by the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamadu Bawumia and other dignitaries.
An accompanying citation described Father Campbell as “friend to the poor, brother to the needy and servant of humankind whose persistent humanitarian support for the community of lepers and street children earned him the affectionate title, the leper priest.”
Born in Ireland in 1946 and ordained in 1970, Rev Father Campbell sailed to the Tema port on October 13, 1971, to work as a missionary priest in the Society of the Divine Word in Ghana.
He received his Ghanaian citizenship on July 3, 2013.
“Over the years, you have taken an active interest in the plight of the poor and needy, particularly cured lepers.
“Your public displays of solidarity have been about rehabilitating Ghana’s lepers and breaking down the prejudice that makes outcasts of them,” the citation noted.
It acknowledged Father Campbell’s valiant role in championing the rights of lepers within his parish, often inviting them to church services where they were given the place of honour.
The citation again read in part: Your tireless efforts have been based on your belief that improvements can be made in the lives of the poor and needy not only through state subsidy but also through charitable donations and fund raising.
It lauded Father Campbell for several initiatives, including a mill at the leprosarium in Accra and other places in Ghana; a soap making venture, mat making, poultry farms and dress making for those who still have fingers, aimed at equipping cured lepers with skills that allow them to be self-sufficient.
“As a result of your lobbying, church initiatives and government policies are beginning to handle the plight of lepers in a more compassionate manner,” the citation further said.
Father Campbell who received the degree with great joy thanked UHAS for the great honour and said that “if you want to be happy, make someone happy.”
Father Campbell, the founder of Lepers’ Aid Committee, a group of young people determined to assist in curing lepers by raising funds, is a founding member and co-chairman also of Environmental Protection Association, West Arena, Accra, an NGO with the aim of keeping the surroundings clean.
Pix: Father Campbell flanked by Mr Justice Victor J. M. Dotse (left), Chairman of the Governing Council of UHAS and Professor John O. Gyapong, Vice Chancellor.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ho
News
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association5 of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses to the government.”
“We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritised,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
