The Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Assembly has presented livelihood empowerment items and start-up funds worth GH¢192,000 to 54 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within the municipality.
Out of the total amount, 32 beneficiaries received cheques amounting to GH¢94,000 to support their educational pursuits, health-related needs, assistive devices, and other income-generating ventures.
In addition, the Assembly distributed 15 deep freezers, three fufu pounding machines, three wheelchairs, and one laptop computer to selected beneficiaries — all valued at GH¢98,000.
Mr. Wisdom Osei Boamah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), explained that the support formed part of the government’s policy to allocate three percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to persons with disabilities, in line with the law.
He said the initiative aimed to empower PWDs to become economically active and to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“This support is to ensure that our brothers and sisters with disabilities are not left behind but are given the means to work, earn a living, and support their families,” Mr. Boamah stated.
The MCE further revealed that President John Dramani Mahama intends to increase the DACF allocation for PWDs from three to five percent next year, a move expected to enhance support for vulnerable groups across the country.
Mr. Gaspard Seyth Amponsah, the Municipal Social Development Officer, described the intervention as timely, especially as it comes ahead of the festive season, giving beneficiaries a chance to invest wisely and improve their livelihoods.
He noted that his department would closely monitor the activities of the beneficiaries to ensure that the items and funds are used for their intended purposes.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, the Municipal Secretary of the PWDs Association, Mr. Peter Akwasi Okyere, expressed profound gratitude to the government and the Assembly for their continuous support.
He also appealed for the prompt implementation of the proposed five percent allocation to further strengthen assistance to PWDs nationwide.
