Bawumia celebrates recovery of cured leper he sponsored, calls it his 'best Christmas gift'

The Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has described a visit from Priscilla, a four-year-old cured leprosy patient who now walks with a prosthetic leg, as his "best Christmas gift."

Sharing the moment on his Facebook page on December 26, 2024, Dr Bawumia recounted Priscilla’s journey from the Weija Leprosarium to undergoing medical treatment in Italy for her amputated leg. Her return to Ghana and a visit to his home left him visibly moved.

“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,” he wrote. “To God be the glory.”

Five months of recovery in Italy

Priscilla, abandoned by her parents at birth due to her condition, had been under the care of Father Andrew Campbell at the Weija Leprosarium. After numerous failed attempts to treat her severely affected legs, her limb was eventually amputated in Ghana.  

Dr Bawumia, a Patron of Lepers Aid Ghana and a regular visitor to the Weija Leprosarium, met Priscilla and was moved to assist. He sponsored her trip to Italy and bore the cost of a special procedure to treat her amputated leg and fit her with a prosthetic limb.  

Priscilla spent five months undergoing the treatment and recovery process which culminated in her return to Ghana, where she is now able to walk independently.  

Upon her arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Priscilla, accompanied by Father Andrew Campbell and officials from the Weija Leprosarium, went directly to Dr Bawumia’s residence to express gratitude.  

The video shows Priscilla walking confidently with her prosthetic leg and sharing an emotional embrace with the Vice President.

Watch the video of the delightful encounter below: