Ekumfi District Assembly Supports Over 100 PWDs with Cash, Equipment and Business Tools

The Ekumfi District Assembly, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, has provided financial assistance, equipment and other forms of support to 108 persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the district as part of efforts to promote economic empowerment and improve their livelihoods.

The initiative is aimed at equipping beneficiaries with the necessary resources to establish or expand their businesses, become economically self-reliant and reduce their dependence on family members and other forms of support.

As part of the intervention, 72 beneficiaries received cash to support their existing businesses, while 36 others were provided with assorted items, machines and equipment tailored to their various trades and economic activities.

The items distributed included freezers, fufu-pounding machines, vegetable-grinding machines, sewing machines, hairdressing dryers and other business-related equipment.

Speaking at the presentation, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ekumfi, Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah, expressed appreciation to the government for increasing funding for programmes designed to support persons living with disabilities.

He explained that beneficiaries had also undergone sensitisation to help them understand the objectives of the intervention, the proper use of the items and the responsibilities that come with receiving the support.

According to the DCE, this year’s package represents a significant improvement in the government’s commitment to empowering PWDs, particularly following an increase in allocations for the programme.

He noted that beneficiaries who received freezers were given additional items, including 10 packs of sachet water, ice chests and plastic chairs, to enable them to start their businesses effectively.

Hon. Nana Asamoah urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and use the support for its intended purpose.

He stressed that the success of the intervention would depend largely on the beneficiaries’ commitment to maintaining the equipment, investing the financial support wisely and turning the resources into sustainable sources of income.

He further encouraged families and community members to support the beneficiaries rather than allowing them to become dependent on others.

The District Director of Social Welfare, Charles Senyo Dotse, said the intervention was designed to improve the living standards of persons with disabilities and promote their economic independence.

He noted that the initiative formed part of broader efforts to reduce the incidence of street begging by creating opportunities for PWDs to engage in productive economic activities.

Mr. Dotse urged the beneficiaries to use the items and financial support responsibly, stressing that the intervention could only achieve its intended purpose if the resources were properly managed.

He also encouraged beneficiaries to maintain the equipment in good condition and reinvest proceeds from their businesses to ensure the sustainability of the support.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to the media expressed their appreciation to the government, the Ekumfi District Assembly and the Department of Social Welfare for the intervention.

They described the support as timely and well organised, saying the equipment and financial assistance would provide them with an opportunity to improve their businesses and become more financially independent.

The beneficiaries pledged to use the items responsibly, keep them in good condition and ensure that the intervention translates into sustainable improvements in their livelihoods.