The Tolon District Assembly has provided support to 70 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the district to improve their livelihoods. The beneficiaries received cash and income-generating items including deep freezers, laptops, poly tanks, and industrial sewing machines. The total value of the support was GHS 150,000.
The initiative, facilitated by the Social Welfare Department, forms part of the government’s commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment through the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF). The support was funded from the 5 percent allocation of the DACF specifically reserved for Persons with Disabilities.
The Tolon District Director of the Social Welfare Department, Mr. Micheal Deku, indicated that this is the third time the Assembly has extended such support to PWDs to enhance their livelihoods. He added that previous disbursements have been successful.He noted that the fund continues to support PWDs in various areas including business development, agriculture, education, and health. According to him, beneficiaries are utilizing the support effectively to improve their lives.
Mr. Deku, however, cautioned beneficiaries not to sell the items but to make good use of them. He emphasized that the support is intended to make them more self-reliant and financially independent.
The Tolon District Chief Executive, Hon. Seidu Braimah, who presented the cash and items, urged beneficiaries to use the resources for their intended purposes to ensure sustainable economic growth for their families.
Hon. Braimah stated that government has prioritized the needs of Persons with Disabilities by increasing the District Assembly Common Fund allocation for PWDs from 3 percent to 5 percent to boost social inclusion and economic empowerment. He added that the social protection policy is designed to provide economic empowerment, medical support, and educational assistance.
One of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Braimah, a resident of Nyankpala who received GHS 2,000 under the health category, expressed gratitude to the managers of the fund and the Tolon District Assembly for the gesture.Mr. Mohammed, popularly known as Major Seidu, pledged to utilize the support judiciously.
STORY BY: Hamzah Lansah