The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has supported Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the metropolis with start-up capital, working tools and assistive devices to promote economic empowerment and self-reliance among beneficiaries.
The items and financial support were 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 meet the specific needs of beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries, comprising 27 males and 23 females with various disabilities and support needs, received 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, stressing that the President had pledged to provide support for PWDs every quarter.
The Mayor said the AMA had taken steps to improve accessibility at its offices by making its elevator fully operational and providing wheelchair access to enable persons with mobility challenges to enter the building without using the stairs.
He disclosed that the Assembly had also recruited a plumber and an electrician who were persons with disabilities as part of efforts to translate its commitment to inclusion into practical opportunities.
Mayor Allotey encouraged PWDs to form businesses and companies capable of competing for economic opportunities, stressing that disability should not prevent anyone from becoming an entrepreneur or business owner.
He called on residents to treat PWDs with dignity and respect.
The Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency, Hon. Alfred Kotey Ashie also commended the Mayor for prioritising the welfare of PWDs and advised beneficiaries to use the tools and equipment productively rather than sell them for immediate financial gain.
The MP said the Assembly would undertake monitoring and follow-up visits to ensure that the support was being put to good use and expressed confidence that beneficiaries who worked diligently would be able to grow their businesses, support their families and become more self-reliant.
The Chairperson of the Ghana Disability Common Fund Management Committee, Madam Gladys Agbenu of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, commended the Mayor and the Assembly for ensuring the prompt disbursement of the Disability Common Fund.
She noted that the timely release of the funds had enabled members of the disability community to benefit from skills-training programmes in tie-and-dye production, liquid soap making and other vocational activities, while the working tools and equipment would help beneficiaries translate those skills into sustainable livelihoods.
