As part of ongoing efforts by the government and the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie Central to economically empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and improve their livelihoods, the District Assembly has distributed working essentials to an initial batch of 49 PWDs within the enclave.
The distributed tools were valued at GH₵216,400. Beneficiaries received a variety of income-generating equipment tailored to their trades, including chest freezers, agricultural spraying machines, fufu-making machines, and industrial sewing machines, alongside financial grants dedicated to educational and medical support.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the forecourt of the Amansie Central District Assembly, the DCE, Hon. Emmanuel Obeng-Agyemang (popularly known as Pedro), emphasized that the welfare of PWDs is critical to local development. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering their economic independence.
Hon. Obeng-Agyemang highlighted the adverse impacts of economic exclusion, noting that a lack of opportunities often leaves PWDs vulnerable to mistreatment or forces them into street begging.
To combat this, the District Assembly utilized the District Disabilities Common Fund to disburse practical working tools and educational support to 49 PWDs, based on individual requests submitted to the assembly. The first phase of beneficiaries comprised 27 females and 22 males. The DCE assured residents that a subsequent phase will soon be rolled out to ensure all remaining applicants receive their requested support.
The DCE noted that economic empowerment remains a top priority for the local administration, pointing out that the assembly has disbursed a total of GH₵55,000 in additional support to PWDs throughout the year.
”We do not just distribute empowerment tools; we also support their hospital bills, educational needs, and various other welfare requirements,” Hon. Obeng-Agyemang stated.
He commended the government, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, for significantly increasing the national Disability Common Fund to expand assistance to PWDs nationwide.
He also emphasized that the selection of beneficiaries underwent a rigorous and transparent vetting process managed by the district committee.
Furthermore, Hon. Obeng-Agyemang urged beneficiaries to utilize the items strictly for their intended economic purposes rather than diverting them, encouraging them to generate sustainable revenue to support their families.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kwame Yeboah, leader of the Amansie Central District chapter of the Federation of Persons with Disabilities, expressed profound gratitude to the government and the DCE.
He praised their commitment to transforming the lives of PWDs in the district and urged all members to cooperate fully with the Assembly’s ongoing empowerment initiatives.
Several individual beneficiaries also voiced their appreciation, assuring the District Assembly that the equipment would be put to productive use to significantly improve their livelihoods.
Story by: Anita Frimpong (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
