Accra Region.

A total of GH¢57,500.00 was allocated to 28 persons with dis­abilities (PWDs) to assist them in establishing small-scale businesses. Additionally, GH¢12,000.00 was provided to three individuals to support their educational pursuits, while the remaining GH¢15,000.00 was distributed among three PWDs to address their health requirements.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Municipal Assembly, Mr Joshua Nii Bortey, in an inter­view stated that the disbursement of the money was aimed at pro­moting inclusivity and empowering persons with disabilities within the municipality.

In reference to the three per cent allocation from the District Assembly Common Fund, Mr Bortey indicated that the funds distributed to the beneficiaries would significantly assist them in addressing various needs, such as education, healthcare, and business initiatives.

To promote the sustainability of this initiative, Mr Bortey noted that the Assembly had formed a monitoring team responsible for tracking progress and offering supplementary funding when necessary.

He also indicated that the As­sembly organised regular meetings with the disability community aside, empowering them with the necessary support.

The meetings, he noted, enabled the assembly to address concerns and gather feedback from the people.

The Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community De­velopment in Krowor, Mrs Priscilla Febiri, stated that the Assembly is dedicated to promoting the welfare and preventing discrimination against the community members.

Ms Febiri stressed the impor­tance of protecting the rights and welfare of marginalised individuals within the community.

She reassured those who had chosen items such as sewing machines and fufu pounding machines that they would receive these items promptly, as they were currently in the procurement process.

The Chief of Otinnor Nungua, Nii Afotey Botwe II, who presided over the event, encouraged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely and use it for the intended purposes.

Additionally, Nii Afotey Botwe II reminded them that their team of auditors would periodically conduct checks to ensure that the funds were being used appropri­ately.

“Make good use of the money that has been given to you, don’t go and use it on unnecessary things because when auditors come round and realise that you are not using the money for its purpose for which it was applied for, next time when you request you won’t get it,” he advised.