AMA disburses funds to Persons with Disability

Accra, April 30, GNA - The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has disbursed a total of 72,500 Ghana cedis to 112 persons with disability (PWDs).

The amount, being two per cent of the Assembly's Common Fund, was to provide livelihood empowerment and transform the lives of the PWDs.

The beneficiaries were given between 500 to 1000 Ghana cedis.

Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, said the AMA was committed to improving incomes of PWDs and advised the beneficiaries to use the money for its intended purposes.

He urged them to be faithful to the content of their proposals to ensure that they improved their income and living conditions.

Dr Vanderpuije said: 'The fact that you are disabled does not mean you can't do anything to help yourselves.'

He urged them to educate their children from the proceeds of their investment instead of sending them to the streets to beg.

Miss Marian Mensah, a Lawyer and Director of Social Welfare, told the Ghana News Agency that the disbursement was part of government's intervention to lessen the suffering of the PWDs.

'It is also aimed at preventing them from anti-social practices and injustices to mould their character for a better future,' she said.

Ms Mensah said the selection was based strictly on the extent of poverty and deprivation and advised the PWDs to use the money wisely.

Mr Michael Asante, the spokesperson of the Ghana Federation of Persons with Disability, expressed gratitude to the AMA on behalf of his colleagues for the support.

He said: 'I will ensure that the Disability Fund Management Committee will monitor all beneficiaries to ensure they do not misuse the money.'

GNA