By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Aflao (V/R), Nov. 12, GNA – Some Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Ketu South Municipality have rejected some items distributed to them under the Disability Fund, citing concerns about their quality and suitability for supporting their livelihoods.
The rejected items included a metal container, bags of charcoal, bags of sugar, and a fishing canoe, which the beneficiaries described as unsuitable for their intended purposes.
Mr Mensah Kodjo Djadoo, Ketu South Municipal President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisation, announced the rejection on behalf of the beneficiaries, insisting that persons with disabilities deserved quality equipment that could support their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
He said the support was their legitimate right and not an act of charity, stressing that PWDs were not beggars and deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.
He particularly described the fishing canoe as a potential death trap, expressing concern that its construction could endanger the lives of beneficiaries who would depend on it for their livelihood.
The concerns followed the distribution of livelihood and economic empowerment items to 53 PWDs by the Ketu South Municipal Assembly.
Mr Richard Seyram Nyavie, the Presiding Member of the Assembly, also expressed disappointment with the exercise, questioning the quality of some items, the procurement process and the apparent lack of transparency.
In an interview with the media, he said he was unhappy with the manner in which the exercise was organised, particularly the absence of information and consultation regarding the procurement of the items.
He disclosed that, despite being the Presiding Member, he had no information about how the items were procured or the total amount spent on them.
He raised concerns about the quality of the charcoal, saying it appeared more like charcoal dust than properly processed charcoal.
He also questioned the quality of the fishing canoe, reportedly valued at about GH¢20,000, saying the materials used in its construction did not appear to justify the stated value.
Mr Nyavie further raised concerns about the sugar supplied to beneficiaries, alleging that some of it appeared to be close to its expiry date.
He said government interventions for PWDs must be implemented with proper planning, consultation and accountability, adding that beneficiaries deserved quality support that recognised their dignity and specific needs.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Hope Senoo, the Chairman of the Disability Fund Committee, acknowledged concerns about the quality of some items.
He admitted that the rejected items were of low quality and assured the beneficiaries that they would be replaced.
Mr Senoo disclosed that GH¢1 million had been released for the support programme but could not state the total amount spent on the procurement and distribution of the items.
He assured the beneficiaries that he would work to ensure that they received the items they deserved and that the replacements met the required quality standards.
The Common Fund for Persons with Disabilities was established in 2005 as a social protection intervention to reduce poverty among PWDs, particularly those outside the formal employment sector, while promoting economic independence and dignified livelihoods.
The fund is intended to support income-generating activities, provide educational assistance to children and students with disabilities, strengthen disability organisations and facilitate access to technical aids and other assistive devices.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo