By P.K. Yankey, GNA
Axim (W/R, Nov. 13, GNA -The Nzema-East Municipal Assembly has presented valuable items to 92 persons with disability in the municipality, who are also members of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled.
The number is an improvement over the previous presentation, which benefited 72 persons.
The items presented were 57 chest freezers, 11 industrial sewing machines, two laptops, 11 fufu-making machines, one standard sewing machine and one baking oven.
In addition, 18 beneficiaries received cash support, nine received healthcare support, while two beneficiaries received corrugated iron roofing sheets and cement, according to the needs assessment of the beneficiaries.
Mr Kofi Arko-Nokoe, the Member of Parliament for Evalue-Ajomoro Gwira, who made the presentation together with Mr Herbert Kuah-Dickson, the Municipal Chief Executive for Nzema-East, said the increase of the Disability Fund from three per cent to five per cent, amounting to GH¢438 million nationally, had enabled the Assembly to meet members of the Federation at their point of need.
He said the gesture had no political party colour, since everyone was prone to disability, and asked society to avoid the stigma attached to disability.
He said his office and the Assembly would ensure judicious use of the Federation’s share of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund and vowed not to touch it for personal gain.
Mr Arko-Nokoe thanked Assembly Members who fished out disabled members who were bedridden for registration.
He advised the Federation to put the items into profitable economic ventures as a life-changing experience.
Mr Herbert Kuah-Dickson, MCE for Nzema-East, said the gesture formed part of the Assembly’s commitment to promoting the welfare of persons with disability and empowering them in the quest for inclusive development.
He said the disability fund would be shared according to the diverse needs of beneficiaries to ensure sustainable sources of income.
The MCE appealed to the Federation not to allow societal stereotypes to limit them from contributing their quota to national development.
Madam Susana Owusu, President of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled in Nzema-East, asked members to stand together by attending regular meetings as they charted a common path.
She commended the Assembly and the MP for keeping faith with the Federation.
Nana Koomson, who chaired the function on behalf of Awulae Attibrukusu III, the Paramount Chief of the Lower Axim Traditional Area, thanked the Assembly for increasing the coverage of beneficiaries from the previous 72 to 92.
He said disability was not inability, reminding society that everyone was a potential disabled person because it could happen to anyone.
Awulae Attibrukusu III appealed to members of the Federation not to sell the items to others but to put them into profitable, life-changing ventures.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter PK Yankey
Reporter’s email address:[email protected]