The Nandom Municipal Assembly has disbursed a total of GH₵315,000 to 125 persons with disabilities (PWDs) at a ceremony held at the Conference Hall of the Nandom Municipal Assembly.
The initiative forms part of efforts to promote inclusion, self-reliance, and economic empowerment among persons with disabilities in the municipality.
The disbursement, which falls under the 5% District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) allocation for persons with disabilities, is in accordance with Section 42 of the Disability Act 715 and Section 125 and 245 of the Local Government Act 936, which require assemblies to support persons with disabilities in areas such as assistive devices, education, health, income generation, and organizational development.
In an interview, the Municipal Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Enoch Shirazudeen Biliguo, said the fund management committee received and vetted applications before approving 125 beneficiaries.
Each beneficiary received between GH₵1,500 and GH₵9,000, depending on their assessed needs and productive capacities.
He explained that the support was not meant to be an annual handout but a targeted intervention to help beneficiaries establish sustainable livelihoods.
“We want this support to empower persons with disabilities to generate income and live independently. This is not an annual cash-sharing event,” Mr. Biliguo stated.
He added that the beneficiaries were also receiving capacity-building training in income generation, financial management, and disability rights, with plans to monitor their progress and extend future support to those who could not be covered in the current round.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Anthony Ziniel, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He said the government remains determined to create equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of physical ability.
He praised beneficiaries who have made good use of previous support packages and urged the new recipients to invest their funds wisely.
“This support is not for consumption but for investment. We expect every beneficiary to make good use of the money to improve their livelihoods and become role models to others,” he said.
He further called on development partners, NGOs, and civil society organizations to work with the Assembly in providing training, mentorship, and follow-up support to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
Also present at the event was Mr. Mohammed Jamal, Director at the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), who encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the Centre’s entrepreneurship and business development programmes.
He assured them that the GEA would continue to provide business advisory and financial management support to help them succeed.
Mr. Dery Martin, an electrician and person with albinism, expressed appreciation for the assistance, noting that the funds would enable him to purchase additional tools and expand his electrical work.
“This support means a lot to me. I plan to invest in quality equipment to improve my services and attract more clients,” he said.
Mr. Kuubio Raymond, an amputee and a mason, said he would use his share of the fund to acquire masonry tools and materials to boost his work.
“This is a big boost to my trade. I’ll make sure I use the money to improve my craft and support my family,” he remarked.
Ms. Zakia Iddrisu, a deaf and mute student at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), expressed her gratitude through an interpreter.
She said the financial support would help her acquire study materials and pay part of her academic expenses.
“This is a great encouragement for me to continue working hard in school,” she said.
The event was attended by Assembly officials, representatives of disability groups, and community members who commended the initiative as a meaningful step toward promoting equality, inclusion, and empowerment for persons with disabilities in the Nandom Municipality.
By MOHAMMED ABDULAI, Nandom
