By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Konongo-Odumase (Ash), Dec. 25, GNA – The Asante-Akim Central Municipal Assembly has supported 65 Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) with assorted business start-up equipment to enhance their livelihoods and promote economic independence.
The items included fufu pounding machines, deep freezers, sewing machines, water pumping machines, and other tools tailored to the beneficiaries’ chosen trades.
The initiative forms part of the Assembly’s commitment to inclusive development and poverty reduction among vulnerable groups.
Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), speaking at the presentation ceremony, underscored the importance of supporting vulnerable members of society to become self-reliant.
He expressed appreciation to the administration of President John Dramani Mahama for the timely release of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), which made the procurement of the items possible.
Rev. Dr. Aidoo revealed that procurement processes were underway to support an additional 35 PWDs with business start-ups early next year.
He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment to achieve the intended purpose, reminding them that “there is dignity in self-sufficiency rather than dependence on others.”
Mr. Eric Owusu Boadi, the Municipal Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, explained that the distribution aimed to ensure social inclusion and mainstream development for persons with disabilities.
According to him, the goal was to empower beneficiaries to become financially independent and active contributors to the local economy.
Mr. Boadi added that the support package was beyond equipment distribution, as beneficiaries were also receiving business enhancement and basic financial management training to improve their chances of success.
He further disclosed that a monitoring mechanism had been put in place to assess progress and measure the impact of the intervention on beneficiaries over time.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Christian Akorlie