Obuasi Disability Fund empowers Persons with Disabilities to achieve livelihoods

The Chief Executive for Obuasi, Honorable Elijah Adansi-Bonah, has highlighted that many persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the Obuasi Municipality have established sources of livelihood due to the impact of the Disability Common Fund from the District Assemblies Common Fund.

The Disability Common Fund (DCF) is a social protection programme aimed at alleviating poverty among persons with disabilities in Ghana. Established by the government in 2006, the DCF allocates 2% of its resources to support individuals with disabilities for medical care, school fees, training, and other essential needs. Currently, 3% of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) released quarterly to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) is earmarked for PWDs.

Speaking at a ceremony where items were donated to some PWDs, Honorable Adansi-Bonah stated that the fund has significantly supported many PWDs who previously lacked means of livelihood and relied on begging or the generosity of others for survival.

In total, 21 individuals received items, including knitting machines, fufu pounding machines, and industrial sewing machines. Some beneficiaries also received medical and educational support.

He also mentioned the Obuasi Rehabilitation and Training Center, a project funded by the OMA Ghana Disability Federation and AngloGold Ashanti, which is undergoing certification and accreditation from the Ghana Education Service to officially train PWDs in skills that will enhance their livelihoods.

A total of GH₵81,000 was spent on procuring items and supporting the educational and health needs of the beneficiaries. Honorable Adansi-Bonah noted that the items were embossed to prevent beneficiaries from selling them, ensuring they are used for their intended purposes.

Make Voting Convenient for PWDs

The President of the Obuasi chapter of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) has urged the Electoral Commission to implement measures to facilitate voting for persons with disabilities in the upcoming elections.

He stated that some members have previously had to endure long queues, while visually impaired individuals struggled to vote for their preferred candidates.

"We as PWDs always believe in democracy, as it is the only way we can participate in governance processes and have our voices heard. We are appealing to the EC to make it easier for our members to engage in this process."

Meanwhile, beneficiaries who spoke to the media expressed the importance of the disability fund, stating that it has supported their livelihoods and made life more comfortable for them.