The Abuakwa North Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Nimako Yamoah Percy, has appealed to parents and families who are hiding children with disabilities to overcome stigma and bring them to take advatange of government support programmes for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
According to him, statistics show that out of every 800 live births, at least one child is expected to have some form of disability, stressing that disability should not be seen as a curse.
He said during the distribution of the second tranche of start-up kits to 20 PWD beneficiaries in the Abuakwa North Municipality.
Items provided, based on the beneficiaries’ preferences, included refrigerators, popcorn machines, sewing machines, bags of maize, rice, sugar, soft drinks, bags of charcoal, farm inputs and other non-perishable items.
Mr. Yamoah explained that the Department of Social Welfare, through routine monitoring, public education and community engagement with PWDs, continues to work towards sustaining policies aimed at improving the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He added that empowering PWDs in society also requires the strengthening of institutional inclusivity.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Abuakwa North Municipality in the Eastern Region, Mr. Charles Yeboah Darko commended President John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling his promises including introducing Free tertiary education for persons with disabilities.
He explained that policies such as the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities, the nationwide distribution of start-up kits, and the construction of disability-friendly infrastructure in institutions are in fulfilment of biblical principles and should be supported by all.
To ensure the safe delivery of the items to the beneficiaries’ destinations, the MCE personally sponsored transportation for all 20 beneficiaries at a cost of GH¢2,000.
The Chairman of PWDs in the Abuakwa North Municipality, Mr. Stephen Okansey, also noted that over the past nine years, the Assembly has made significant strides in improving the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He pledged continued collaboration with government to empower PWDs economically and promote financial independence.
Mr. Okansey revealed that continuous monitoring of beneficiaries shows that the majority are putting the state-funded resources to good use, contributing positively to their livelihoods and well-being.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
