Accra: The Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly (LekMA) has provided financial assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs) within the municipality. As part of this initiative, 33 disabled individuals and their caregivers received a sum of GHC 1,300 along with items such as deep freezers and water tanks to aid their businesses and families.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Mary Eghan, Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development of LekMA, stated that the department is responsible for distributing the disability fund and overseeing related activities. She emphasized that the support constitutes three per cent of the common fund allocated to the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country. LekMA is committed to continuing its support despite occasional financial challenges that may delay fund distribution.
Madam Eghan urged recipients to use the resources prudently to achieve the intended goal of reducing poverty among PWDs in the municipality. Mr Israel Adjetey Otchwenmah, the Ledzokuku Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), reiterated the assembly’s dedication to supporting PWDs through financial aid and essential items to enhance their livelihoods. He also encouraged civil society organizations (CSOs) and philanthropic groups to collaborate with the assembly for further financial and medical support.
Mr Otchwenmah advised beneficiaries and caregivers to utilize the funds appropriately for their intended projects, as the assembly plans to monitor the progress and growth of their businesses. Mr Benjamin Narteh Ayiku, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ledzokuku, expressed gratitude to the president for ensuring the distribution of funds through the MCE, highlighting its potential to improve the lives of PWDs and alleviate poverty in the country. He also mentioned forthcoming plans from the presidency aimed at supporting PWDs, particularly children, in their educational endeavors.
Beneficiary Mr Wisdom Agbenu expressed his appreciation to the assembly for their support and encouraged fellow recipients and caregivers to make effective use of the provided funds. He advised them to work diligently to sustain themselves and their families, emphasizing that their disabilities should not hinder their ability to work. “Do not go to the roadside asking and begging for money, as people will look down on you; your disability is not your inability to work,” he said.