Bawumia hails recovery of cured 4-year-old leper as his ‘best Christmas gift’

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has described the recovery journey of Priscilla, a four-year-old cured leprosy patient, as his most cherished Christmas gift this year.

Priscilla, who now walks confidently with a prosthetic leg after a life-changing treatment in Italy, visited Dr. Bawumia at his home upon her return to Ghana.

The Vice President, visibly moved by the encounter, shared the moment on his Facebook page on December 26, 2024, celebrating the triumph of resilience and hope.

“I got my best Christmas gift yesterday when Priscilla… returned to Ghana and paid me a visit at home to thank me and show that she can now walk with her new leg,” Dr. Bawumia wrote. “To God be the glory.”

Priscilla’s story began at the Weija Leprosarium, where she was taken in after being abandoned by her parents at birth due to her condition.

Under the care of Father Andrew Campbell, she battled the debilitating effects of leprosy, which eventually led to the amputation of her severely affected leg in Ghana.

Dr. Bawumia, a Patron of Lepers Aid Ghana, met Priscilla during one of his regular visits to the leprosarium.

Deeply touched by her plight, he took it upon himself to sponsor her medical journey to Italy, where she received specialized care.

For five months, Priscilla underwent intensive treatment, culminating in the fitting of a prosthetic leg.

The transformation was life-changing, allowing her to walk independently for the first time.

On her return to Ghana, Priscilla arrived at the Kotoka International Airport, accompanied by Father Campbell and officials from the Weija Leprosarium.

Her first stop was at the Vice President’s residence, where she expressed heartfelt gratitude.

In an emotional video shared by Dr. Bawumia, Priscilla is seen walking confidently into his arms, a testament to the remarkable progress she has made.

“She is a symbol of resilience and hope, and her journey reminds us of the power of compassion and commitment,” Dr. Bawumia remarked.

The Vice President’s role in Priscilla’s recovery underscores his long-standing commitment to supporting lepers and marginalized individuals in Ghana.

Through initiatives like Lepers Aid Ghana, Dr. Bawumia continues to advocate for improved care and social reintegration of leprosy survivors.

Priscilla’s story is not just a personal triumph but a powerful message of what can be achieved through unity and compassion.

For the Vice President, it is a Christmas gift that transcends material value – a story of hope renewed and a life transformed.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith