VOICE Ghana launches project for resources from extractive industries for PWDs

Ho, June 01, GNA – VOICE Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation has launched a $100,000 revenue management project to secure resources for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

The one and a half year project is being funded by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP Africa) and would review existing policies on resource revenue allocations from the extractive sector.

Under the project, PWDs would be sensitised on managing revenues from the extractive industries, including the oil and gas sectors, and would also be empowered to claim the benefits to address their needs.

Four districts with extractive industries would be identified in each of the Western, Ashanti, Eastern, Central and Volta Regions as the implementing districts.

Mr Eric Kwakye Darfour, the Eastern Regional Minister, lauded the initiative and recommended that VOICE Ghana supported the project with a baseline survey to identify the needs of PWDs towards developing future proposals to support their livelihoods.

Nana George Frimpong, the Central Regional President of Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) said, “the project would go a long way to support persons with disabilities in accessing additional funding for their livelihoods, apart from the mandated three percent District Assembly Common Fund,” and gave the assurance that the initiative had the support of the Organisation.

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, are among key collaborators on the programme.

Others are the Petroleum Commission, the Minerals Commission, the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and the GFD.

VOICE Ghana plays an active and leading role in disability policy advocacy and inclusive governance for PWDs in Ghana.

GNA