How Divine Word Missionaries’ mission is transforming lives of the physically challenged in Ghana

What started as a missionary initiative years ago, stands as a beacon of hope for many underprivileged persons in Ghana today.

About 40 kilometers from the bustling capital of Accra, lies the Orthopedic Training Centre (OTC) founded in 1961 by Brother Tarcisius de Ruyter, SVD and operated by the Divine Word Missionaries.

The story of the OTC is as remarkable as its impact. When Brother Tarcisius, affectionately known as Brother, arrived at Takoradi Harbour in May 1961, he was greeted by the challenge of helping those afflicted by polio.

The disease had left many children and adults with severely impaired mobility. Determined to make a difference, Brother and his colleague Brother Lutwin set to work establishing the Centre in Nsawam, then a village northeast of Accra.

Their initial efforts were fraught with challenges, including malaria and a lack of awareness about their services. Yet, Brother’s commitment never wavered.

Realizing that the community needed to know about the Centre, he embarked on a mission to reach out to those in need personally. His perseverance paid off when he helped a young boy named Joseph, who had been debilitated by polio. The successful treatment of Joseph became a turning point, leading more families to seek help at the Centre.

As the OTC grew, so did its capacity to provide comprehensive care. Today, the Centre operates four core departments, each vital to its mission:

Orthopedic Clinic & Workshop

Since its establishment in 1965, this department has been at the heart of the OTC’s efforts. Here, patients receive critical diagnoses and customized orthopedic appliances such as leg braces, artificial limbs, and orthopedic shoes. The Clinic & Workshop has played a crucial role in helping countless individuals regain their mobility and independence.

Mobile Orthopedic Unit

Launched in 1965, this unit extends the Centre’s reach to remote and underserved areas. Traveling to 43 contact stations across Ghana, including hospitals, clinics, and makeshift setups under trees, the Mobile Orthopedic Unit ensures that even the most isolated communities have access to essential orthopedic care.

Children’s Home

The OTC’s Children’s Home provides a nurturing environment for young patients undergoing therapy. Here, children receive not only medical treatment but also emotional support, helping them adjust to their new orthopedic appliances while fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Prosthetics & Orthotics Training College

Opened in 2013, this training college underscores the OTC’s commitment to education and skill development. It offers rigorous training in prosthetics and orthotics, equipping the next generation of professionals with the skills needed to continue this vital work.

The OTC’s services address a wide range of orthopedic challenges. From treating birth deformities such as micromelia and club feet to managing spinal and lower back issues, the Centre plays a crucial role in improving quality of life for many.

Although new polio cases have decreased due to vaccination programs, the OTC continues to support individuals who were unable to access treatment earlier due to financial constraints or cultural barriers. Additionally, the Centre provides aid to those affected by industrial accidents, such as loss of fingers, hands, and limbs.

The impact of the OTC extends far beyond medical treatment. For many in Ghana, it represents a symbol of resilience and dedicated humanitarian work by the Catholic Church.

And for the many physically challenged who have been through it, the Centre has been all they needed to get a second chance at walking and getting useful to themselves and their families as well as the society at large.

Watch documentary on the OTC below.