Physically challenged unhappy with district assemblies

Takoradi, March 22,-GNA-Members of the Western Regional Branch of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) have said that most of the district assemblies in the region have persistently refused to release the five-percent allocation under the District assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the disabled.'

Though some praised their District Chief Executives (DCEs) for making efforts and releasing some grants to them, others criticized their DCEs for refusing to release the funds to them and pretending that they have no idea about the five percent budgetary allocation in the DACF. They praised Mr. Appiah-Kubi Baidoo of the Sefwi Wiawso district and Mr. Kwesi Biney of Ahanta West district for assisting them with some funds.

The disabled made these revelations in an interaction with their national executives at Takoradi on Monday. They alleged that other DCEs continually deny them the grants, saying that there were no guiding principles for the distribution of the disabled fund.

They noted that apart from the daily trekking to the offices of the district and metropolitan assemblies, many of them are usually turned away because they are told that, "the DCEs are not around". The aggrieved members alleged that some DCEs also select their own favourites and release part of the grants to them and ignore others who may not be their friends.

Mr. Nicholas Halm, National Chairman of GFD said the five percent DACF allocation to the physically challenged is not a disability allowance. He said it was sad that some DCEs had refused to release the funds, which are meant for income generating activities and self-reliance. He appealed to members of the association to openly declare all funds received to ensure transparency among them.

Mr. Halm told them that the grant could be accessed as a group and therefore urged them to do so without any delay. He however, cautioned that individuals who visit the assemblies for the funds would be denied.

He said the national executives would continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the grants are released for the intended purposes.

Mr. Halm assured members that there was the need for them to remain united and fight for their rights irrespective of the circumstances.