Some of the beneficiaries in a group photo
Correspondence from the Eastern Region
The Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly has distributed life-sustaining logistics and livelihood support items to 33 persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the municipality, as part of efforts to promote inclusion, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
The presentation ceremony, held at the premises of the Municipal Assembly, was led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Atter Matey, with officials from the Department of Social Welfare and representatives of the local PWD association in attendance.
Items distributed included industrial sewing machines, electronic wheelchairs, deep freezers, a 2,500-litre polytank, plastic chairs, bags of charcoal, foodstuffs, toiletries and other essential materials tailored to the specific needs and requests of beneficiaries.
The intervention was funded through the Disability Common Fund (DCF), a statutory allocation under Ghana’s District Assemblies Common Fund.
The DCF was established under the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), which mandates that a minimum of five percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund be set aside annually to support persons with disabilities.
The fund is intended to reduce poverty among PWDs by supporting income-generating activities, access to assistive devices, education, healthcare and social inclusion.
Addressing the beneficiaries prior to the distribution, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Atter Matey said the intervention reflected the government’s commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities. He noted that the allocation for the Disability Common Fund had increased this year, allowing assemblies to procure higher-quality items.
“Disability does not mean inability,” the MCE said. “The President believes that no physically challenged person should be reduced to begging by the roadside. This support is to help you invest in your lives and live with dignity.”
In a separate interview, the Assembly Chief explained that the distribution was legally mandated and demand-driven, based on requests submitted by beneficiaries.
“We carry out distributions throughout the year. This is the first for 2026. The Department of Social Welfare will provide technical support to ensure the items are put to proper use,” he said
Also speaking at the event, Municipal Director of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly, Samuel Affadu, acknowledged the growing number of persons with disabilities in need of assistance and appealed for patience among applicants.
“The numbers are high, and we cannot support everyone at the same time,” he said. “Our hope is that the beneficiaries will have their lives transformed by this intervention. If you put the items to good use, they will grow over time and help you sustain yourselves.”
Some beneficiaries shared how the support would directly improve their livelihoods. One parent, Happy, speaking on behalf of his 13-year-old son, expressed gratitude for the plastic chairs he received.
“We thank the government for this gesture. I have received plastic chairs, and I plan to rent them out to generate income to cater for my son. It is a profitable venture,” she said, adding that parents of children with disabilities should seek support rather than allowing them to remain on the streets.
Another beneficiary, Ohipeni Juliana Larko, a 64-year-old resident of Adjikpo Yokunya, said she waited three years to receive the polytank she requested.
“I received a polytank, which was exactly what I asked for. I will sell water to raise money to sustain myself. God bless the government,” she said.
Solomon Sackitey, the Secretary of the PWD Association in Lower Manya Krobo, who received an electronic wheelchair, described the support as life-changing.
“I am very happy because it will enable me to move around freely. I had difficulty using a manual wheelchair. These items are good, and I encourage all persons with disabilities to join the association so they can benefit,” he stated.
The assembly expressed optimism that the intervention would significantly reduce street begging and improve the socio-economic conditions of persons living with disabilities in the municipality.
Source:
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