The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has provided start-up capital, working tools and assistive devices to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the metropolis as part of efforts to promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The support was presented by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, during the second edition of the Assembly’s disability support programme, which is being implemented in batches to address the specific needs of beneficiaries.
A total of 50 beneficiaries, comprising 27 males and 23 females with different disabilities and support needs, received various forms of assistance, including business capital, chest freezers, refrigerators, industrial sewing and knitting machines, a circular saw, fufu-blending machines, wheelchairs, a laptop, educational support, medication and therapy.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Mayor Allotey expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for sustaining the initiative, noting that the President had pledged to provide support to PWDs on a quarterly basis.
He said the AMA was also taking practical steps to improve accessibility at its offices, including making its elevator fully operational and providing wheelchair access to ensure that persons with mobility challenges could access the building without using the stairs.
According to the Mayor, the Assembly had further demonstrated its commitment to inclusive employment by recruiting a plumber and an electrician who are persons with disabilities.
Mayor Allotey urged PWDs to form businesses and companies capable of competing for available economic opportunities, stressing that disability should not be a barrier to entrepreneurship, business ownership or economic participation.
He also called on members of the public to treat persons with disabilities with dignity, respect and fairness.
The Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency, Hon. Alfred Kotey Ashie, commended the Mayor and the AMA for prioritising the welfare and economic empowerment of PWDs.
He advised the beneficiaries to use the tools and equipment productively and resist the temptation to sell them for immediate financial gain. He added that the Assembly would conduct monitoring and follow-up visits to assess how the items were being utilised.
The MP expressed confidence that beneficiaries who remained committed and worked diligently would be able to expand their businesses, support their families and achieve greater economic independence.
The Chairperson of the Ghana Disability Common Fund Management Committee, Madam Gladys Agbenu of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, also commended the AMA for ensuring the prompt disbursement of the Disability Common Fund.
She said the timely release of the funds had enabled members of the disability community to participate in skills-training programmes, including tie-and-dye production, liquid soap making and other vocational activities.
Madam Agbenu noted that the provision of working tools and equipment would enable beneficiaries to translate the skills acquired through the training programmes into sustainable livelihoods and greater economic independence.
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