By Patience Tawiah
Nkwanta (O/R), Aug. 28, GNA – The Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly in the Oti Region has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the living conditions of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through the provision of livelihood support items and financial assistance.
The support, which was presented at a brief ceremony held at the Assembly premises, saw beneficiaries receive start-up equipment and cash aimed at strengthening their livelihoods, promoting self-reliance and reducing vulnerability.
Mr Joseph Awal Antwi, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the initiative formed part of the Government’s broader social intervention programmes targeted at supporting vulnerable groups and promoting inclusive development.
He explained that the support was funded from the statutory allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), which mandates Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to allocate five per cent of their share to programmes benefiting PWDs.
Mr Antwi said the Assembly conducted a needs assessment to ensure that the items provided corresponded with the specific circumstances and livelihood aspirations of the beneficiaries.
He announced that the Department of Social Welfare would undertake regular monitoring to ensure that the items were utilised for their intended purposes.
A total of 60 beneficiaries received various items, including chest refrigerators, cassava grinding machines, fufu pounding machines, cash and other equipment to support income-generating activities.
The MCE urged beneficiaries and their families to make productive use of the support and cautioned them against selling the items.
He warned that any beneficiary found to have sold or misused the items could face legal consequences.
Mr Antwi appealed to non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and corporate institutions to complement government efforts by providing additional support to PWDs in the municipality to help address poverty and enhance their livelihoods.
Mr Boanya Evans, Nkwanta South Federation Chairman, on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Government and the Municipal Assembly for their continued support.
He said the assistance would go a long way towards improving the living conditions of beneficiaries and empowering them to engage in productive economic activities.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamaoh