The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Assin South District, Hon. Derrick Owusu Ambrose, has stated that the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government is focused on improving the livelihood of People living With Disabilities (PWDs) in the country, as he believes disability is not inability.
The DCE said this at the first-ever presentation of economic tools to the PWDs at a ceremony at the Nsuaem – Kyekyewere Assin South District Assembly premises.
“It is with great joy that we are gathered here to present economic development tools or items to persons with disability in this district,” the DCE said, adding, “This is to empower them economically to be self-reliant and also live independent lives.”
According to the DCE, the choice of the beneficiaries of the items was a result of the desire of the government, to consciously improve the living conditions of persons who have suffered disability, instead of giving out cash to them.
Hon. Derrick Owusu Ambrose said the government had increased the PWDs share of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) from 2.5% to 3% to help improve the living standard of persons with disabilities, to enable them contribute their quota to national development.
215 out of the over 623 registered persons with disabilities in the district were cleared by the Disability Management Fund Committee (DMF) to receive support. The rest of them will receive theirs as and when the funds are released by the District Assembly Common Fund Secretariat.
Hon. Derrick Owusu Ambrose disclosed that items given out included 3 deep freezers, 13 sewing machines, 13, farming tools, three neating machines, Provisions, 11, Credit Transfer materials, 4 hair drier machine, one set of Carpentry tools, and 5 wheel Chairs.
He advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity and work hard to better their lives, and promised the PWDs of the assembly’s unflinching support to their cause. He, however, admonished them to cultivate the culture of maintenance, so that the lifespan of the items they have received can be prolonged to the benefit of the people.
He explained that the whole idea or exercise is non-partisan, and, therefore, no one should politicise the activities of the Assembly, and that the rest of the members will be given their choice of items or tools to help them improve on their everyday live activities.
The Secretary of the PWDs, Mr. Atta Ampomah thanked the administration for supporting the association. He promised, on behalf of his colleagues, that the tools would be put to good use for a better future.
He also disclosed some challenges they are facing that, its disheartening most families turns down their proposals when some of their members approach their children for marriage, and even the able persons snatch some of their lovers from them because of their disabilities.
Moreover, he appealed to the public and private sectors to employ People With Disabilities because disability doesn’t mean inability.
The acting President of Attendansu Traditional Council Nana Kwan-twi Barima who spoke to SPLASH FM NEWS Reporter NANA KORANKYE APOMUDEN on the sidelines of the ceremony, urged the Assembly to monitor activities of the beneficiaries, to make sure all tools given them are handled well and used for their intended purposes.
Story by : Nana Korankye Apomuden/Ghanadailies
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