Kumasi, May 26, GNA – The Old Tafo Municipal Assembly has presented various items to 16 selected Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the municipality to economically empower them.
The beneficiaries were the second batch of PWDs to be supported in one month to establish their businesses after the same number also received similar support early this month.
The procurement of the items presented to each beneficiary was based on their preferences following a need assessment conducted by the assembly through the Department of Social Welfare.
The items worth GH¢ 27,200 included deep freezers, carpentry tools, fabrics, soft drinks, mattresses, welding machines, and industrial sewing machines.
Mr. Fred Obeng Owusu, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) who presented the items at a brief ceremony, said PWDs formed part of society and must not be left behind under any circumstance.
He said it was imperative to empower them to economically contribute to national development rather than leaving them to beg for alms on the streets.
“It is the vision of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to improve the livelihoods of PWDs and all vulnerable groups by introducing specific interventions to make them economically independent” the MCE said.
He said the assembly had captured the data of PWDs in the municipality and was engaging them to set them up in various businesses of their choice.
To ensure the sustainability of their businesses, the MCE said, a committee had been put in place to occasionally monitor the progress of their businesses.
Mr. Owusu said the assembly was committed to prioritizing the welfare of PWDs in the municipality by extending the support to those who were yet to benefit and urged the beneficiaries to grow their businesses to justify the investment made in them.
GNA