The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has provided Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the metropolis with startup capital, working tools and assistive devices as part of efforts to promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The support was presented by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, during the second edition of the Assembly’s disability support programme. The initiative is being implemented in batches to ensure that beneficiaries receive assistance based on their specific needs.
50 PWDs Receive Business Support and Assistive Devices
A total of 50 beneficiaries, comprising 27 males and 23 females with different disabilities and support requirements, received various forms of assistance.
The support package included:
- Business startup capital
- Chest freezers and refrigerators
- Industrial sewing and knitting machines
- Circular saw
- Fufu-blending machines
- Wheelchairs
- Laptop computer
- Educational support
- Medication and therapy
The programme is aimed at helping PWDs establish or expand businesses, acquire productive skills and improve their living standards.
AMA Improves Accessibility for Persons With Disabilities
Addressing beneficiaries, Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for sustaining the initiative and supporting programmes designed to improve the welfare of Persons with Disabilities.
He noted that the President had pledged to provide assistance to PWDs every quarter as part of efforts to promote social inclusion and economic empowerment.
The Mayor also disclosed that the AMA has taken steps to make its offices more accessible. These measures include making the Assembly’s elevator fully operational and providing wheelchair access to enable persons with mobility challenges to enter the building without relying on stairs.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to inclusive employment, the Assembly has recruited a plumber and an electrician who are Persons with Disabilities.
Mayor Encourages PWDs to Become Entrepreneurs
Mayor Allotey encouraged beneficiaries to use the support to establish businesses and companies capable of competing for economic opportunities.
He stressed that disability should not be a barrier to entrepreneurship, business ownership and financial independence, urging members of the disability community to take advantage of available opportunities.
He also appealed to the public to treat Persons with Disabilities with dignity, respect and fairness.
MP Urges Beneficiaries to Use Equipment Productively
The Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency, Hon. Alfred Kotey Ashie, commended the AMA for prioritising the welfare of PWDs.
He urged beneficiaries to use the equipment and financial assistance productively instead of selling the items for immediate financial gain.
According to him, the Assembly will conduct monitoring and follow-up visits to assess how the support is being utilised. He expressed confidence that beneficiaries who remain committed to their businesses can expand their operations, support their families and achieve greater financial independence.
Disability Common Fund Supports Skills Training
The Chairperson of the Ghana Disability Common Fund Management Committee, Madam Gladys Agbenu of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, also praised the AMA for ensuring the timely disbursement of the Disability Common Fund.
She explained that the prompt release of funds has 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 allow beneficiaries to apply the skills they have acquired and transform them into sustainable sources of income.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote disability inclusion, job creation, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment for Persons with Disabilities in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com