By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R) Aug 28, GNA – Mr Safo Nketia, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi East, has commended members of the Krachi East Municipal Assembly for their commitment to promoting the welfare, economic empowerment and social inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Municipality.
He said the Assembly Members had consistently demonstrated their commitment to the wellbeing of PWDs by supporting the timely approval and release of resources allocated to them, enabling the Assembly to implement interventions aimed at improving their livelihoods.
Mr Nketia made the commendation at a ceremony in Dambai to distribute livelihood support items procured by the Krachi East Municipal Assembly through the PWDs Common Fund to some beneficiaries.
He said the support formed part of the Assembly’s broader efforts to create opportunities for PWDs to become economically productive, self-reliant, and active participants in the socio-economic development of the Municipality.
The MCE said PWDs had considerable potential to contribute to local development when provided with the appropriate support, skills, and resources to pursue sustainable livelihood activities.
He therefore assured them of the Assembly’s continued commitment to implementing programmes that would promote their economic independence and improve their participation in community development.
Mr Nketia said the Assembly would ensure that the three per cent allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund designated for PWDs was utilised judiciously and transparently to address their livelihood needs.
He explained that the items distributed were carefully intended to support beneficiaries in their various economic activities, including businesses and other livelihood ventures, and to provide them with the means to improve their household incomes.
He urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the items and use them strictly for their intended purposes to maximise the benefits of the intervention.
Mr Nketia cautioned them against selling or exchanging the items, stressing that assistance was provided to create sustainable economic opportunities and improve their living conditions.
He also appealed to families, caregivers, traditional leaders, and community members to support the beneficiaries in managing and using the items productively.
The MCE said such community support was important in removing barriers that often-prevented PWDs from fully participating in economic and social activities.
Mr Emmanuel Donkor, Oti Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), commended the MCE and the Municipal Assembly for their commitment to improving the livelihoods of PWDs.
He said the intervention would contribute to reducing economic vulnerability among beneficiaries and create opportunities for them to become more self-reliant.
Mr Donkor encouraged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the support and to remain committed to their respective livelihood activities.
He urged stakeholders to continue working together to promote an inclusive society where persons with disabilities could access equal opportunities and contribute fully to community development.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) expressed appreciation to the Municipal Assembly and the government for the support.
They said the items would provide them with the needed resources to strengthen their businesses and livelihood activities, improve their incomes, and reduce their dependence on others.
The beneficiaries pledged to use the items for their intended purposes and to work towards improving their economic circumstances.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba