In a bold and inspiring move toward inclusive development, the Wassa East District Assembly has empowered 74 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with essential working tools and financial support, igniting hope and opening new pathways to self-reliance.
The initiative, carried out under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), reflects the Assembly’s deep commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the district’s development agenda.
Out of the total beneficiaries, 49 individuals received a range of practical equipment tailored to their trades, while 25 others were each given GH¢2,000 to expand and strengthen their businesses.
The items distributed included deep freezers, refrigerators, ovens with accessories, motorized spraying machines, cassava grating machines, fufu pounding machines, a welding machine, and a pastry maker tools expected to significantly enhance productivity and income generation.
Addressing the gathering, District Chief Executive, Hon. Alhassan Ibrahim, underscored the importance of inclusion, stressing that disability does not equate to inability. He noted that with the right support, PWDs can unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to community and economic development.
“This intervention is not just about support; it is about restoring dignity, promoting independence, and creating equal opportunities for all,” he emphasized.
District Coordinating Director, Evans Mark Andoh, revealed that the items distributed were based on requests made by the beneficiaries themselves after careful assessment of their needs. He explained that the support was funded through the mandated three per cent allocation of the DACF dedicated to PWDs.
He further highlighted that the fund also supports other critical needs of PWDs, including payment of school fees, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration, medical expenses, and capacity-building programmes.
Other speakers at the event, including Presiding Member Hon. Stephen Kuma Angu and the Head of Community Development and Social Welfare, Mr. Elijah Atta Quansah urged beneficiaries to make the most of the support to improve their livelihoods. They also cautioned caregivers to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries and avoid exploiting the assistance provided.
The initiative marks a significant step in promoting inclusive growth in the Wassa East District, as beneficiaries expressed gratitude and renewed determination to build sustainable futures for themselves and their families.
Credit: Frank Kwabena Danso
District Information Officer
