KOKMA supports 29 persons with disabilities

The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KOKMA) has provided 29 individuals with disabilities with various forms of assistance, including items, financial aid, educational support, and livelihood resources, to foster self-reliance and inclusion. This initiative is part of the government's commitment to inclusive development and aligns with the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715).

At an event held at Kwame Nkrumah Circle-Dubai, the beneficiaries received business capital, financial support, educational assistance, and equipment to enhance their living conditions. Mr Joshua Addy, Chairman of the Disability Fund Management Committee, emphasized that the objective of the fund is to empower persons with disabilities to become self-sufficient and live with dignity, reframing the assistance as an empowerment initiative rather than charity.

The allocation to the Disability Fund under the District Assemblies Common Fund has been increased from 3% to 5%, thereby providing more resources to support persons with disabilities in their pursuit of self-reliance and economic independence. Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Alfred Allotey Ato-Gaisie, described the initiative as an economic empowerment strategy designed to offer persons with disabilities sustainable livelihood opportunities, economic autonomy, dignity, and active participation in societal affairs.

He highlighted that the support is a statutory entitlement and reflects the collective responsibility of the government to provide equitable opportunities for the social and economic advancement of persons with disabilities. Mr Allotey Ato-Gaisie also announced the introduction of free tertiary education for persons with disabilities as a measure to alleviate financial barriers to higher education, thereby equipping them with enhanced career prospects.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the provided items and resources solely for their designated purposes, discouraging the practice of keeping them as mere decorations or misusing them for other intentions. He further encouraged the recipients to engage in productive work, grow their businesses, support their families, and contribute to national development, asserting that the assistance should translate into tangible improvements in their livelihoods.

Both the Municipal Assembly's Social Welfare and Community Development Department and the Disability Fund Management Committee pledged to monitor the utilization of the support by the beneficiaries, while Mr Allotey Ato-Gaisie appealed to family members, caregivers, and the general public to encourage and support the beneficiaries in effectively using the resources, rejecting discrimination, stigmatization, and negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities.