The Lepers Aid Committee, in collaboration with the Chief of Kpandai, has broken the grounds for the construction of a 40-room block for cured lepers in the Nkanchina-Kpandai district in the Northern Region.

The project is under the supervision of Roof Tiles and Construction Limited.

Reverend Father Andrew Campbell, Committee Chairman of Lepers Aid Committee, said the project estimated at Gh¢2,050,008.20 forms part of the World Leprosy Day, and a response to a promise by the Committee to support the proper care, rehabilitation and re-institution of cured lepers in the region.

The Christ the King Church, and other corporate bodies also presented items such as mattresses, cooking utensils, food, drinks to lepers in Kpandai in the Northern Region, as part of the celebration.

He said the amount was realized from a fundraising programme held in December last year, from corporate bodies and other philanthropists in the country, to support the provision of shelter for the lepers whose conditions were very deplorable.

Rev Campbell said the Committee takes full responsibility for Weija Leprosarium and supports Ho, Nkanchina, Kokofu, Anindado and Ahontokrom Leprosaria.

He recalled that in 2011, a multi-skilled centre was built for the cured lepers in Ho at the cost of Gh¢67,000.00 and in 2012 an accommodation for nurses, social centre and caretakers ‘office were built at Weija at the cost of Gh¢160,000.00.

He thanked all who have supported the Committee in putting smiles on the faces of the lepers, and appealed for more support from the public to facilitate the building of the rooms for the lepers to have improved living conditions.

Mr Jatoh Moayi Jasper, the District Chief Executive of Kpandai thanked all, especially Fr Campbell for championing the plight of the less privileged in society.

He said 290 beneficiaries in the district are enjoying the LEAP programme, including the lepers, and that plans are underway to incorporate the lepers into its short and medium-term, development plans in the district.

Mr Daniel Dumevi, Project Manager for Roof Tile and Construction limited said the project would be completed in August, and pledged their resolute support to work hard to beat the deadline.

World Leprosy Day is observed internationally on the last Sunday of every January to increase public awareness of the disease.

The day was chosen in commemoration of the death of Gandhi, the leader of India, who understood the importance of leprosy.

Leprosy is one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world. It is an infectious chronic disease that targets the nervous system, especially the nerves in the cooler parts of the body - the hands, feet, and face.