Tarkwa: Mr. Augustin Niber, the Executive Director of the Center for Public Interest Law (CePIL), has emphasized the need for equal opportunities and recognition for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) regardless of their abilities. He highlighted the significant contributions that PWDs can make and the importance of creating an environment that allows them to thrive.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Niber made this appeal during a training program organized by CePIL in collaboration with the National Council on Persons with Disability (NCPD), with support from Oxfam, in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region. The training covered topics such as the categories of disabilities in Ghana, funding sources for the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for PWDs, and the management and disbursement guidelines for the fund.
Mr. Niber encouraged PWDs to utilize available resources to enhance their growth and development, stating, "I am hopeful that our conversation on DACF and the other topics will lead to meaningful action. We will follow up on the issues you have raised to ensure you receive what is rightfully yours." He also advocated for inclusive infrastructure, emphasizing that buildings, roads, and transportation systems should be designed to accommodate everyone.
Mr. Joshua Addy, Acting National Coordinator of NCPD, outlined various interventions available for PWDs, including the PWD enterprise support program, disability guide allowance, tax relief, inclusive education policy, and the DACF. He pointed out that the DACF aims to alleviate poverty among PWDs, particularly those outside the formal employment sector, and improve their social image through dignified work.
Mr. Addy also mentioned that the tax relief for PWDs covers essential items that facilitate their daily lives, such as walking sticks, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and laptop computers. He explained that effective utilization of the DACF is supported by guidelines developed by several institutions.
Mr. Richard Asare, President of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) in the Western Region, expressed that the training was timely, as it addressed misunderstandings between members and the assemblies regarding the DACF. He stressed the importance of transparency in fund management to minimize disagreements.
Mr. Daniel Okyere, President of GFD in Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, acknowledged the challenges faced in accessing the fund and appreciated the enlightenment provided by CePIL and its partners. He noted that the training clarified misconceptions about government dues to PWDs and emphasized the plan for groups to share the acquired knowledge with their members.
CePIL is a non-partisan and non-governmental organization focused on making justice accessible and affordable for marginalized communities and individuals. It advocates for justice and supports vulnerable communities adversely affected by certain policies and actions.
