Fifteen(15) Persons with Disabilities in Akrofuom District Benefit from Disability Fund
The Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region has offered support to 15 persons with disabilities to enhance their business operations and livelihoods.
The district procured deep freezers, industrial sewing machines, fufu pounding machines, a hairdryer, wheelchairs, and other items worth GHS 50,000.00 from the Assembly’s share of the Disability Fund. The district’s Chief Executive, Mr. Maurice Jonas Woode, said 90% of individuals with disabilities in the district were registered and supported whenever the common fund was disbursed.
The Assembly, transparent in its disbursement processes, has disbursed the Disability Fund eight times since its creation in 2018. In addition, the district organized skills training programs for the PWDs in the district in late 2022. The President is committed to improving the living conditions of the vulnerable, having directed MMDCES to prioritize matters involving PWDs.
To further support persons with disabilities, the Assembly has taken steps such as renewing their national health insurance and paying school fees for students. Mr. Woode urged the beneficiaries to use the items to generate income, promoting financial independence instead of being a burden on their families.
The District Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Gideon Osei Poku, stressed the importance of utilizing the items for their intended purpose and not letting them go to waste. He stated that the Assembly conducted a needs assessment before procuring the items to benefit the PWDs.
Miss Josephine Abena Kuukye, Secretary of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD), informed PWDs in Akrofuom about the Obuasi Training and Rehabilitation Centre and encouraged them to take advantage of the facility to acquire skills.
The Centre offers hands-on training for the physically challenged in various trades, including sewing, basket weaving, leather works and kente weaving. On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Sarah Tieku expressed gratitude to the Assembly for the support, which, she said, would improve their lives.