Last January, Brother John Oppong, director of St. John of God Hospital Sefwi-Asafo in Ghana, passed away at the age of 61. He held positions of responsibility in various hospitals in Africa. He was a great expert on African reality, dedicating his life and work to promoting the health of people in vulnerable situations and poverty.
The funeral was held on February 14 and 15 in Ghana, with Mass taking place at Koforidua Cathedral. Nearly 200 people attended, including Brothers of St. John of God, family, friends, staff, and 80 priests.
John Oppong was born in Kumasi, in the interior of Ghana, and completed his novitiate in Nguti (Cameroon), making his solemn profession in Kofodidua in 1991. He studied philosophy in Togo and later theology in Ghana, being ordained a priest there in 1995.
Since that year, he has held various positions of responsibility at various San Juan de Dios centers and hospitals in Togo, Benin, Ghana, and Kenya. He has been instrumental in the development of Juan Ciudad NGO projects in Africa, aimed at improving the health and well-being of people at risk of exclusion due to poverty and other causes such as lack of access to education and employment.
Brother John Oppong had a kind and reconciling character, and always cared for all members of the Order, Brothers, workers and volunteers, placing the sick at the center of his work.
Brother JosĂ© MarĂa Viadero, director of Juan Ciudad NGOD, who met him in Africa and shared many moments with him, says that "Brother John Oppong always put others first, especially the most vulnerable."
From Juan Ciudad NGO, we send our condolences to his family and the Brothers who knew him and lived with him.
Rest in peace.
