District assemblies to pay 2% DACF for disabled at source

Accra, July 20, GNA- Mr. Joseph Yieleh Chireh, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), said two per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) meant for persons with disability was now to be deducted at source.

He was answering questions in Parliament on Tuesday.

The Minister said MLGRD in collaboration with the National Council on Persons with Disability and the Ghana Federation of the Disability under the authority of the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare had developed and launched the guidelines on the disbursement and the management of the amount.

He stated that the Ministry had directed all assemblies to open bank accounts for the Persons with Disability and forward the accounts numbers to the administrator of the DACF.

He said this would enable him to be able to transfer the amount due into these accounts.

The assemblies, he said, had also been directed to disburse and manage the funds in line with the approved guidelines.

Answering questions on measures adopted by government to make Afrancho market in the Offinso North District operational, Mr. Chireh said the project started in 1997 as a community self project.

He said in September 2006, contracts for the construction of 27 lockable stores, 30 stalls and a meat shop was awarded at a cost of GH¢30, 653.50 and was completed in 2007 with funding from Community Based Rural Development Project.

He said traders were not relocated to the market because the initial design had no provision for auxiliary facilities such as public toilet, electricity, water supplies and warehouse.

He said funding had currently been secured under the Social Investment Fund for the construction of a 10-Seater Water Closet toilet.

He noted that the construction which was at the lintel level was due for completion in August 2010 at a cost of GH¢50,403.50

Mr. Chireh said as soon as the construction of the WC was completed the market would be operational.

Meanwhile, the University Ghana Bill was read the second time while the Economic and Organised Crime Bill reached its consideration stage.