The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) has distributed some livelihood support items and cash amounts to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to empower them economically.
The items, disbursed under the 5 per cent District Assembly Common Fund, sought to support PWDs to meet their medical, business, and educational needs.
A total of 54 beneficiaries comprising 24 males and 30 females, received various items like deep freezers, industrial knitting machines, laptops, mobile phones repair tools, and welding tools, among others.
Mr Abdul Majeed Dokurgu, the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), presenting the items to the beneficiaries, at Effia, said the gesture reflected the government’s collective resolve to build an inclusive community where every citizen, regardless of physical or sensory ability, would have the opportunity to participate fully in society.
He said: “The Constitution of Ghana and the Persons with Disability Act (Act715) reminds us of our duty to uplift, protect and empower all citizens.”
According to him, the EKMA was committed to enhancing the rights and dignity of PWDs through deliberate inclusive policies and equitable opportunities.
Mr Dokurgu stated that in pursuit of this vision and in response to the needs of PWDs in the municipality, the Assembly would establish a training and skills development centre exclusively for PWDs.
This centre, the MCE noted, would serve as a dedicated space where beneficiaries could acquire vocational and technical skills tailored to their abilities, interests, and demand.
He, therefore encouraged all the beneficiaries to utilise the items presented to them productively and judiciously.
Mr Dokurgu asked them to let these interventions deepen their confidence, expand their skills, and elevate their contributions to community development.
He also appealed to families, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support the inclusion and dignity of PWDs, to help eliminate harmful stereotypes, and strengthen social support systems.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the Ghana News Agency expressed gratitude to the EKMA for the support, and said the items and monies received would go a long way to empower them to engage in meaningful economic activities to improve upon their living standards.
