By James Esuon
Agona Swedru (C/R), Jan. 1, GNA – The Agona West Municipal Assembly has presented items and cash totalling GH₵210,082 to 132 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to support them economically and reduce the burden on their families.
The items distributed included deep freezers, fufu pounding machines, sewing and neatening machines, wheelchairs, white canes, crutches, and other equipment to enhance their livelihoods.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Agona West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Eric Gyamfi Odoom, said President John Dramani Mahama valued and cherished PWDs, hence the release of funds and items to improve their living conditions.
He assured the beneficiaries that the funds would not be diverted for any other purpose but would be used strictly to empower them economically and ease their financial challenges.
Mr Odoom disclosed that the Assembly’s allocation for PWDs had increased from GH₵117,000 in the first quarter to GH₵210,082 in the second quarter and assured them of prompt disbursement of future funds.
He noted that some PWDs in the municipality were undergoing skills training, while others were pursuing tertiary education, and commended those striving to contribute meaningfully to society despite their disabilities.
The MCE cautioned beneficiaries against selling or misusing the items, describing it as unfortunate that some recipients disposed of items after only a few months of use. He also warned caregivers, particularly of the visually impaired, against exploiting them.
Mr Robert Baah, the Agona West Municipal Community Social Welfare Officer, said the Assembly and his office had carefully identified beneficiaries who genuinely needed support to boost their businesses.
He urged recipients not to regard the support as Christmas gifts, but rather as tools to strengthen their economic activities. He commended the government and the MCE for the proactive measures taken to improve the lives of PWDs, and warned that monitoring teams would inspect how the items were being used.
Mr Mohammed Tanko, the Agona West Municipal President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, expressed gratitude to the government and the Assembly for the timely disbursement of funds and items.
He appealed to beneficiaries to use the support judiciously to improve their livelihoods, stressing that the government’s primary objective was to help PWDs live better and more dignified lives.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Audrey Dekalu