Offinso North Assembly supports 122 Persons with Disabilities with livelihood, educational and medical assistance

The Offinso North District Assembly in the Ashanti Region has provided livelihood support, educational assistance and medical aid to 122 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under the government's social inclusion and economic empowerment programme.

The support, funded through the three percent allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for PWDs, was implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development in collaboration with the District Disability Fund Management Committee.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the income-generating capacity of beneficiaries, promoting self-reliance and improving their overall quality of life.

At a presentation ceremony held at the forecourt of the District Assembly, beneficiaries received cash grants, vocational equipment, educational materials and medical support.

Speaking at the event, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Ceaser Ofosu Acheampong, said the intervention reflects the government's commitment to improving the socio-economic well-being of persons with disabilities.

He disclosed that 45 beneficiaries received livelihood support items, including refrigerators, industrial sewing machines, fufu processing machines and wheelchairs to help them establish or expand their economic activities. An additional 60 beneficiaries received cash grants as start-up or business expansion capital.

Hon. Acheampong further stated that 10 students with disabilities benefited from educational support to facilitate their studies, while the medical bills of seven beneficiaries were fully covered under the programme.

According to him, the support packages were determined in consultation with leaders of PWD associations to ensure they addressed the most pressing needs of beneficiaries.

He noted that the programme seeks to reduce poverty, promote economic independence and discourage street begging by equipping persons with disabilities with sustainable sources of livelihood.

The DCE reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to transparency and fairness in the management of the PWD Fund and urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the support to improve their livelihoods.

The Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr. Gideon Osei Poku, commended the beneficiaries for their resilience and encouraged them to maintain the equipment properly to ensure long-term benefits.

He also stressed the importance of regular monitoring to assess the impact of the intervention and ensure the sustainability of the support provided.