In a decisive move to promote socio-economic inclusion and economic independence among persons living with disabilities (PWDs), the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly, through its Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, has presented income-generating equipment, trade inventory, and financial educational support to 62 beneficiaries across the municipality.
The presentation ceremony, held on the premises of the Municipal Assembly, brought together local government officials, community leaders, and members of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD). The intervention is designed to transition beneficiaries from economic dependency to self-reliance, offering them practical avenues to support themselves and their families.
Addressing the gathering, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. William Kofi Adzowu, emphasized that the initiative is funded through the mandatory 5% allocation of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF) dedicated to persons with disabilities. He stressed that the intervention should not be viewed as mere charity, but rather as a strategic investment in human potential.
“This gesture is not just a distribution of items; it is a direct investment in human capacity,” Hon. Adzowu stated. “Irrespective of their disability status, every individual possesses potential. By equipping them with the tools to work and learn, we enable them to provide for their families and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.”
The items distributed were tailored specifically to the requests, skill sets, and trade needs of individual recipients following a thorough needs assessment by the Social Welfare Department.
To address diverse economic and social needs across the municipality, the items presented included:
Industrial Equipment & Vocational Tools: Deep freezers, refrigerators, industrial sewing machines, knitting machines, hairdryers with washing basins, an industrial oven, an aluminum miter saw, a portable welding machine, a cocoa spraying machine, a fufu pounding machine, and a water storage tank.
Trade Inventory & Retail Stocks: Bales of used clothing, bags of charcoal, bags of onions, crates of eggs, assorted general provisions, and staple foodstuffs including bags of maize, millet, beans, rice, and cooking oil.
Educational & Medical Assistance: A laptop computer, funding for fees to attend special schools, and direct financial support for necessary surgical procedures.
Hon. Adzowu highlighted that empowering PWDs economically serves a broader social benefit, including reducing the incidence of street begging and restoring dignity to marginalized individuals. He charged the beneficiaries to maintain the items responsibly and make full use of the opportunity.
Turning his attention to family members who received items on behalf of relatives with severe disabilities, the MCE issued a stern caution: “These resources were allocated solely because of the beneficiaries. Families must ensure that the benefits directly impact the wellbeing of the individuals concerned. Let the changes reflect in their daily lives.”
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Kwame Ankrah, the Obuasi East Chairman of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, commended the Municipal Assembly and the MCE for their consistent commitment to the welfare of PWDs in the district.
Mr. Ankrah noted that regular and transparent disbursements under the current administration have significantly improved the living standards of many members. However, he seized the occasion to make a passionate appeal to the central government regarding the scale of funding.
“We are deeply grateful for the continuous support from the Assembly,” Mr. Ankrah said. “At the same time, we make an appeal to the government to consider increasing the 5% disability fund allocation of the Common Fund. Expanding this funding will allow us to reach even more individuals who are waiting for an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods.”
The event concluded with the official handover of the items, marked by visible appreciation from the beneficiaries and their families. Local observers noted that initiatives of this nature serve as a crucial benchmark for grassroots development, proving that targeted local government support can effectively remove barriers for vulnerable populations.
By prioritizing needs-based support over blanket donations, the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly continues to reinforce its commitment to an inclusive community structure where every citizen, regardless of physical ability, is given the opportunity to thrive.
