Korle Klottey Assembly supports 17 PWDs with work tools

The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) in the Greater Accra Region has provided financial assistance, tools and equipment to 17 persons with disabilities (PWDs) within the municipality to support their economic and business ventures.

The items, valued at GH¢100,000, were purchased using three per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) allocated to the Disability Fund (DF).

The items include deep freezers, welding tools, knitting machines, mobile money startup kits, hairdressing tools, shoemaking equipment, cosmetics, toiletries, gas stoves and provisions to stock their shops.

This marks the sixth disbursement to PWDs in the municipality since 2019 and the presentation took place during a brief ceremony in Accra last Thursday.

The event was attended by assembly members, both elected and government appointees, as well as heads of departments and units.At the event, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Samuel Nii Adjei Tawiah, emphasised the government's dedication to ensuring that people with disabilities across the country received the necessary support to lead fulfilling lives.

"Today, we are fortunate to support our brothers and sisters for the sixth time here in the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, assisting those who, for various reasons, face challenges in supporting themselves, running businesses or working like others.

"The government recognises the importance of supporting them, ensuring that they have the opportunity to reach the same level as the rest of us, so they can work, support themselves, and care for their families.

"It is very important to have a very dignified life by not having to knock on people's door before you feed yourself and your family. So this is a very important exercise that the assembly is having to do today to support you," he added.

A representative from the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Elvis Kosi Alipui, who was also a beneficiary, urged his fellow recipients to use the provided items responsibly to support themselves and their dependents.

"We are here today to oversee the distribution of the three per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund. 
"The message to our members is clear: this fund is not for misuse. It is not a lottery. It is meant to help work towards reducing poverty among persons with disabilities and to improve their lives," he said.

He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly and the President for ensuring that people with disabilities were included in the sharing of national resources.

However, he said: "We still want to appeal for more, as the three per cent allocation is too small given the size of our population. We now represent 10 per cent of Ghana's population."

Background

In 2005, the government established the Disability Fund (DF) as part of its efforts to empower persons with disabilities. Currently, the fund stands at three per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund.

The DF's primary objectives are to reduce poverty and enhance the social status of people with disabilities. It offers financial assistance, provides working tools, supports educational needs and helps with medical expenses for individuals in need.