The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly has disbursed cash support to 48 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the municipality as part of efforts to promote their welfare and empowerment.
Speaking at the 11th disbursement ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Charles Darko Yeboah, said support for PWDs would remain a priority of the assembly, describing them as special people who require special attention and care. He commended the Mahama-led government for increasing the disability fund from 3 per cent to 5 per cent.
The 48 beneficiaries comprised 32 under Economic Empowerment, five receiving medical support, and 11 under education support. The MCE praised the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development for organising the programme, the third of its kind since he assumed office.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Jamani Dramani, urged beneficiaries to use the funds for their intended purpose. He announced that follow-up training would be held on bookkeeping to enable beneficiaries to track their profits, and encouraged them to cultivate the habit of saving. He noted that well-managed funds could help beneficiaries pay their children’s school fees, rent and other basic needs, making them more self-sufficient.
“Disability is not inability,” Mr. Dramani said, urging PWDs to strive to achieve their best, adding that they can become whatever they want to be. He also cautioned those who mock Persons with Disabilities, reminding them that anyone could become disabled.
In his remarks, Mr. Percy Nimako-Yamoah urged persons with disabilities to stop involving children in begging and appealed to parents of children with disabilities to do the same.
“Every child deserves the right to go to school for a brighter future. Begging not only denies them an education but also trains them to see begging as a profitable venture, which could lead to future unemployment,” he stated.
He added: “As you leave here with your cheques, encourage your fellow PWDs who are begging to register with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development and access support to stay off the streets.”
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
