Thirty-eight of the beneficiaries are to be enrolled into a fully funded apprenticeship programmes and would be trained in various skills development with equipment support from the assembly at a cost of GHC49,204.13.

The support is to empower PWD’s, who are already learning a trade and new trainees to improve their livelihood and be able to support their families without being dependent on the PWD fund.

A total of GHC 213,500.63 had so far been disbursed to 411 beneficiaries.

The disbursement also covered the educational expenses of 75 PWD’s and the medical bills of 11 persons, whiles 38 persons are benefiting from apprenticeship programmes. They were provided with items such as hair dryers, tonging machines, straightener, chairs, washing sink, tower stand, roller stand, sowing machines and other accessories and industrial sewing machines.

Others are, grinding machines for shoe making, grinding machine for welding and tools box, Broiler starter bags, poultry feeding trowels and drinkers as well as deep freezers. The rest are electronic tools for repairing mobile phones, barbering tools, tools for repairing radio and building and construction tools.

The Birim North District Chief Executive (DCE), Raymond Nana Damptey, said the Assembly used to assist the PWD’s with monies for their livelihood and other interventions, but he is convinced that this new direction of equipping them with skills is more viable.

He said he was hopeful that at the end of the stipulated period of training all the enrolled apprentices would successfully finish their programmes and become fully integrated into society.

He assured all disabled persons in the community that government would not relent in its effort of providing the needed support to ensure that they are all well off. The Chief of New Abirem, Obrempong Kwesi Amo Kyeretwie, who chaired the ceremony, said the initiative will support the PWD’s and the youth to shape their lives and help them desist from bad lifestyles.

He urged the master craftsmen to enthusiastically show the trainees the best of skills in the profession so that they will also mature to become professionals.Mr Frank Helevi, Chairman of the Birim North Ghana Federation of Physically challenged and a beneficiary said he has been in poultry farming for the past few years, and that, the support he has received would help him improve his poultry business.

He explained that, when one is physically challenged, coupled with poverty, life sometimes becomes tough so the effort from government to alleviate poverty among the PWD’s was a step in the right direction and they really appreciate the support.