Sunyani: The Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to scrutinize the release and distribution of the Disability Fund managed by the various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The society has raised concerns about the diversion of these funds, intended for their welfare, to other purposes, allegedly benefiting non-members.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Joshua Asiedu, the Financial Secretary of the Sunyani Municipal branch of the GSPD, emphasized the need for President Mahama to ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) receive their rightful share of the disability fund. He further urged the President to expedite the release process to facilitate timely disbursement to deserving PwDs across the country.
Mr. Asiedu expressed dissatisfaction over the reluctance of some MMDAs in releasing the funds, highlighting that delays sometimes extend to two years, with further delays of four months before disbursement. He shared his personal experience, noting that despite requesting GHC4,000 in December 2020 for business tools, he only received GHC1,000, underscoring the necessity for more substantial support to expand his tailoring business.
Madam Sirina Mahamadu, National Vice President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organization, advised recipients of the fund to deploy the money effectively in viable ventures, adhering to the fund's guidelines. She noted instances of misuse among beneficiaries who then resort to street begging, stressing the importance of responsible fund utilization.
In a related note, Madam Mahamadu congratulated Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on her historic election as the first female Vice President of Ghana, expressing confidence in her leadership capabilities.
