By Nana Kwame Essel
Twifo Praso (C/R), July 09, GNA – Mr Isaac Yawson, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Twifo Atti Morkwa, has stated that the government is not against mining but committed to ensuring that mining is carried out responsibly and in accordance with the law.
Addressing persons with disabilities during a disbursement ceremony, the DCE urged Ghanaians, particularly those engaged in illegal mining (galamsey), to abandon unsafe mining practices.
He reminded them that illegal mining activities exposed people to life-threatening accidents that could result in permanent disabilities and, environmental degradation.
During the event, a total of GH¢175,996.00 was disbursed to support persons with disabilities and their organisations across the district.
The breakdown of the funds includes GH¢48,000.00 to 10 members of the Ghana Federation of Persons with Disabilities to establish businesses.
GH¢39,131.00 to 19 students and apprentices with disabilities to support their education and skills training, and GH¢4,100.00 to one person with a disability to cover medical expenses.
GH¢4,000.00 to the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) to enable 10 members to attend their regional conference, whileGH¢4,000.00 for the Ghana Blind Union (GBU) to support seven members to participate in their regional conference.
Again, GH¢17,575.00 went to the Ghana Blind Union to organise a two-day soft drink production training programme for 30 members, and GH¢23,190.00 to the District Fund Management Committee (DFMC) to undertake NHIS registration and renewal for persons with disabilities in six communities within the district.
The head of the Twifo Atti -Morkwa Department of Social Welfare, Mr Kofi Kwakye, encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds for their intended purposes.
He cautioned that officers would monitor the projects, and beneficiaries who failed to invest the funds wisely would not qualify for future support.
He assured those who would make good use of the assistance that future proposals would receive favourable consideration.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Richard Mensah expressed appreciation to the DCE and the Assembly for their continued support.
He noted that living with a disability was challenging and therefore appealed to Ghanaians to be cautious in their endeavours to prevent avoidable accidents.
He particularly advised commercial motorcycle riders (Okada riders) to observe road safety regulations to reduce accidents and its grievous outcomes.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey /Kenneth Odeng Adade