The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kwadaso, Eric Assibey, is encouraging persons with disabilities (PWDs)—particularly those of school-going age—to take full advantage of the government’s policy that makes education free for them from the basic to tertiary level.
Speaking during the distribution of essential items and financial support to fifty PWDs in the municipality, Mr Assibey said the government had taken on the biggest cost burden for persons living with disabilities by covering their fees at all levels of education.
He explained that while Free Senior High School had eased the burden on many families, tertiary fees remained a challenge for most households. According to him, the no-fee policy introduced by President Mahama and implemented through the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) is designed to close that gap for students with disabilities.
“The government has abolished fees for persons with disabilities in universities, making education free from nursery to university level. I encourage all who are interested in pursuing education to seize this opportunity and strive to become notable contributors to the country,” he said.
The MCE urged parents and guardians not to keep children with disabilities at home or deny them an education because of their condition, stressing that every child has potential that must be nurtured.
“It is not their choice to be disabled, so it is crucial we include them in all aspects of life and offer support to enhance their quality of life,” he added.
Mr. Assibey also commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for increasing budgetary allocations to PWDs, noting that the timely release of funds was helping to improve livelihoods.
The items distributed included chest freezers, deep freezers, sewing machines, bags of charcoal, phone accessories, second-hand clothing, provisions, and other business-support materials. Beneficiaries also received cheques to cover medical bills, education costs, and support for small businesses and PWD organizations. Officials said all items were procured based on needs assessments carried out by the Social Welfare Department.
Municipal Director of Social Protection and Community Development, Joyce Owusu, cautioned beneficiaries against selling the equipment, insisting the support is meant to create sustainable income opportunities. She said her department would closely monitor recipients to ensure proper use of the items.
“We will not tolerate anyone selling the equipment provided. If found doing so, you will face legal consequences, as we aim to help them move away from begging on the streets,” she warned.
President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) in the municipality, John Nicholas Mensah, expressed gratitude to the assembly and pledged that the beneficiaries would use the items responsibly. He appealed to both government and private employers to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities, noting that many qualified PWDs still struggle to secure jobs despite their skills and competencies.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com