100 PWDs Empowered at Fanteakwa South
Koforidua, Ghana – The Fanteakwa South District Assembly has equipped 100 people living with various forms of disabilities (PWDs) with working tools to enable them to undertake income-generating activities, provide for themselves, and reduce burdens on their families.
The tools included industrial sewing machines, cassava grinding machines, fufu-pounding machines, tomatoes and pepper grinding machines, plastic chairs for rental services, refrigerators, a wheelchair, sugar, charcoal, cash for medical support, fees, and cash for those who opted for provision stores.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Fanteakwa South District Chief Executive (DCE), Mrs. Mercy Korang, said the equipment and other supports were provided out of the three percent share of the disability fund of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
Mrs. Korang stated that it was the government’s decision to make judicious use of the money to support PWDs to have permanent economic activities. She also explained that the Fanteakwa South Assembly had put in place measures to ensure that the beneficiaries would use the equipment for its intended purpose.
She noted that the era when “pocket monies” were given to PWDs was over. Economic empowerment would enable PWDs to become an integral part of business activities in their areas, contribute meaningfully to local economic growth, and improve their living standards.
Mrs. Korang warned the beneficiaries not to sell the equipment provided, saying the Social Services Sub-Committee of the Assembly would regularly visit them to ensure that they were using the equipment. She also cautioned caretakers of PWDs not to personally use the proceeds generated, adding that necessary actions would be taken if such issues were reported.
The Queen mother of Akyem Dwenase, Nana Appeaa Sarpomaa Kumankuma I, thanked the District Assembly for the support and encouraged the beneficiaries not to sell the items. Some of the beneficiaries thanked the District Chief Executive and the President of the Republic, H.EMahama.6ramani Mahama.
