2024 Ghana Philanthropy Conference: Rev. Fr. Campbell highlights volunteerism, philanthropy as key to national development

By James Amoh Junior, GNA

Accra, Nov. 1, GNA – Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, a Catholic Missionary Priest, known for his dedication to humanitarian work, has highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism and its critical role to national development.

Speaking on the theme: “Volunteerism as a Civic Duty” at the second Ghana Philanthropy Conference, Fr Campbell urged Ghanaians to embrace volunteerism and impact society positively.

He said the impact of civic action was not limited to those in positions of power and that every individual had a role to play in supporting society, sharing love, and aiding the vulnerable.

“Be the change you wish to see,” he said, underscoring that volunteerism was an essential and accessible form of philanthropy that everyone could contribute to.

According to Fr Campbell, also the founder of the Lepers Aid Committee,, meaningful volunteer work starts with a desire to help and a commitment to serve with clean hands and a pure heart.

The conference, which brought together over 200 participants from Civil Society Organisations and Volunteer groups, was designed to elevate volunteerism as a recognized and respected form of philanthropy, also serve as a platform to discuss the challenges facing philanthropic organizations in Ghana.

Ghana’s philanthropic landscape is often informal and episodic, driven by empathy but lacking structured support.

Therefore, the two-day conference, convened by STAR Ghana Foundation and its partners aimed to create awareness around these issues and inspire a more organized approach to community support, in line with Fr. Campbell’s call for commitment and compassion.

Rev. Fr. Campbell’s address resonated with the conference’s rationale to spotlight volunteerism as a crucial form of philanthropy that often goes unrecognised.

Philanthropy encompasses more than financial contributions — it includes the donation of time, skills, and compassion to support others and improve communities.

This broader definition aims to address the misconception that philanthropy is only about monetary giving, reinforcing that volunteerism is equally valuable.

The World Giving Index, conference shows that 72 per cent of the world’s adult population engaged in some form of giving — whether through donations, volunteer work, or assistance to strangers—in 2023.

Countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Kenya ranked high in volunteerism efforts, serving as models for Ghana to learn from.

These global context, Fr Campbell noted, required Ghanaians to actively contribute to their communities and strengthen the culture of volunteerism in the country for its development.

Known for his empathetic approach, Rev. Fr. Campbell shared personal reflections on the importance of supporting humanity in any way possible, and the power of sharing to transform lives.

He encouraged participants to be present and to care for others, wherever they may find themselves, urging them to consider how they, as individuals, could contribute to societal well-being.

“Let God lead the vision you’re convicted about,” he said in his speech which was deeply rooted in faith, stressing that a strong belief in God should provide the anchor for all actors of volunteerism and kindness.

He highlighted the idea of “giving until it hurts,” as the kind of sacrifice and dedication that genuine philanthropy required, adding that there was an inner fulfilment that came from selfless service and a sense of purpose through selfless contribution to society.

Participants called for the need for Ghana to develop a supportive policy framework and a collaborative approach to increase civic engagement and harness volunteerism as a key driver of social and national development.

Mr Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, whose speech was read on his behalf by Mr Wumbe Ibrahim, a Senior Research Officer, highlighting the strides made under the National Youth Authority Volunteerism Project, said limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient capacity building for volunteers were some key challenges of the project.

The Youth and Sports Minister urged stakeholders to continue supporting such programs, relying on collaboration and partnership to improve capacity building, resource mobilization, and information exchange.

He said by doing so, the potential of volunteerism for fostering sustainable development and peace be fully realised while contributing to the establishment of resilient communities and sustainable development.

Mr Charles Abugri, Vice Chair, Governing Council. STAR-Ghana Foundation, said philanthropy was essential for a civil society, and that the essence of a civil society was to care, ensure peace, promote inclusivity, one that collectively moves forward and leaves no one behind, and one that was relatively equitable.

He said giving and contributing to ensure that those who suffer and excluded, and those with no opportunities were given the needed support to contribute meaningfully to a civil society in Ghana.

GNA