About 36 Persons With Disability (PWDs) in the Akuapem North Municipality have received various forms of support to embark on their chosen economic ventures and personal goals.
The beneficiaries include the physically challenged, visually- impaired, hearing and speech-impaired.
Facilitated by the Social Welfare and Community Development Department of the Assembly, the beneficiaries received undisclosed worth of assorted items and cash amount to the tune of GHC47, 500.
The items include 40 pieces of plastic chairs, two wheelbarrows, two shovels, nine freezers, a gas cylinder, two bags of flour, two bags of sugar, two containers of margarine, baking powder, baking soda and vanilla essence.
Other categories of beneficiaries include those receiving educational and health support throughout the year, farmers, businessmen and women.
In her address, Mrs. Angelina Nagartey, the Head of the Department, charged beneficiaries to use the funds and items for the intended purpose while urging those who received the items to ensure proper maintenance to prolong its lifespan.
According to her, it was only when they acquit themselves well with the use of the items that others would take their chance to benefit from the facility.
She prevailed on them to spread the news of the Association to other PWDs in their locality in order for them to also join and reap the benefits.
“We should all be one another’s keeper and volunteer information to authorities on wherever PWDs live to enable them benefit from the scheme,” Mrs Nagartey said.
Beneficiaries, according to her, received the support tailored to match what they requested, adding that close monitoring would be undertaken to ensure they live up to expectation.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Barima Asiedu Larbi, in a message read on his behalf said disbursement of the facility is done in batches to meet the volume of membership who would all take their turn in due course.
He said disability is not inability and encouraged the beneficiaries to find a sustainable handiwork for which the monies and items would be used for their own sustenance.
“As integral members of society, issues of PWDs would always be prioritized to give meaning to the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing poverty in the foreseeable future”, he said.
Stephen Ntow Tetteh, Akuapem North Chairman of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled commended the Assembly for rolling out the disbursement programme which would enhance the well-being of PWDs in the municipality.
He singled out Madam Nagartey for her exemplary leadership through her proactive approach and receptive nature concerning their issues.
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