Ada West District Assembly disburses items to PWDs

THE Ada West District Assembly in the Greater Region has disbursed items and funds to 88 persons with disabilities, to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

The items and funds distributed included tools and equipment for small businesses, assistive devices, educational support, health support and seed capital for entrepreneurial ventures for the 88 beneficiaries.

Each of the items was carefully selected to meet the specific needs of the beneficiaries following consultations and assessments by the Social Welfare Department and the District Disability Fund Management Committee, who upon receiving applications vetted, shortlisted and conducted a home assessment to establish the legibility of the applicants. 

They included 57 economic and business support, 20 equipment support, three education support, six health and assistive devices and two apprenticeship support. 

Commitment

The District Chief Executive (DCE) of the Ada West District, Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah, said the disbursement reaffirmed the assembly’s collective commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and the welfare of persons with disabilities in the district.

He said as a district, it was committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, had an opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their respective communities and the district as a whole. 

He said the initiative was not just a fulfilment of the assembly’s statutory obligation, but also a reflection of its deep-seated belief in the inherent dignity and potential of everyone.

“We believe that empowering persons with disabilities is not an act of charity, but a recognition of their rights and an investment in the future of our district,” Mr Kpankpah stated.

The DCE said since 2017, the Ada West District Assembly had been unwavering in its efforts to improve the lives of PWDs and, as a result, had facilitated vocational training for many beneficiaries, provided educational scholarships and medical support and had also supported various income-generating activities. 

He said such efforts by the assembly had empowered numerous individuals to become economically independent and active contributors to the district’s economy.

Mr Kpankpah said through collaboration with stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector partners, the assembly had improved access to healthcare, mobility aids and other essential services for PWDs, adding: “Today’s event builds on these achievements and further demonstrates our resolve to leave no one behind”.

The DCE encouraged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the resources, whether it was a tool for trade, funds for education or seed capital for a business idea.

The District Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Philip Dotse, entreated the PWDs to ensure that they applied for support from disability funds, as it was meant for their welfare.             

He said his outfit would ensure that he and the staff followed up to monitor the beneficiaries, to put the items to good use.