AMA supports PWDs with start-up capital, working tools

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has introduced a program to financially support and provide necessary tools to 50 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the capital city. This initiative is aimed at fostering economic independence and enhancing the well-being of the beneficiaries. The support encompasses capital, essential appliances, and assistive devices catered to individual needs.

The beneficiaries, comprising 27 males and 23 females with diverse disabilities, received their aid in stages, aligned with their specific requirements. These resources included financial aid, cooling appliances, sewing and knitting machines, a circular saw, fufu-blending machines, mobility aids, electronic devices, educational assistance, medication, and therapy.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, lauded President John Dramani Mahama for maintaining the funding of this initiative, which he describes as crucial for enabling PWDs to achieve self-reliance. Mayor Allotey also highlighted the Assembly's efforts to enhance accessibility within its own facilities, such as installing a fully functional elevator and wheelchair access, and employing persons with disabilities in operational roles.

The Mayor encouraged the beneficiaries to leverage the provided resources to establish robust businesses, rather than seeing the support as a means for short-term financial gains. The Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Alfred Kotey Ashie, applauded the AMA for prioritizing the welfare of PWDs and urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the support, advocating for collective business ventures.

He also expressed faith in the beneficiaries' ability to expand their enterprises and attain financial independence through wise utilization of the provided resources. The Chairperson of the Ghana Disability Common Fund Management Committee, Gladys Agbenu of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, commended the AMA for the timely provision of the Disability Common Fund.

She also noted the positive impact of the funding on beneficiaries' participation in training programs, including tie-and-dye and liquid soap production, which would transform their acquired skills into sustainable income sources.