The gesture forms part of the 3% allocation of the PWDs' share of assembly's DACF
The Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA) has presented various items and a cash amount to support the livelihoods and well-being of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the Municipality.
The items presented were: eight deep freezers, one display fridge, one washing machine, two knitting machines, two industrial sewing machines, one oven, one gas cylinder, one fufu pounding machine, one polytank, and one drilling machine.
Additionally, a cash amount totaling GHC 37,500.00 was given to some of the members to augment their income-generating ventures, while GHC 10,694.00 was presented to others to support their education and health needs.
This forms part of the 3% allocation of the PWDs' share of the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF), which all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are enjoined to disburse to support the livelihoods and welfare needs of PWDs.
Presenting the items at a brief ceremony at the forecourt of the Assembly in Abokobi on Wednesday, 5th June 2024, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Deborah Ampofo, emphasized the government's commitment to PWDs and charged the beneficiaries to take good care of the items and use them for their intended purpose.
"Sometimes when we give you these items, some of you sell them and misuse the funds, ending up begging on the streets, losing respect in society, and within your families. These items are given to enable you to earn a living and take care of yourselves and your families, so please use them as intended," she remarked.
The President of the Ga East Federation of PWDs, Mr. Gyamfi, expressed utmost appreciation and gratitude to the Assembly for demonstrating care and love towards them and always ensuring their needs are met.
He commended the Hon. MCE for not hesitating to disburse their share of the DACF, given that she has been in office for only a short period.
Mr. Gyamfi pledged to ensure that the beneficiaries use the items and funds appropriately to meet the needs they presented to the Assembly.
A representative from the National Council for PWDs, Mr. Joshua Addy, lauded the Assembly for the prompt disbursement of the funds and advised the beneficiaries against any move to sell what they have been given, indicating that the Council will not spare any member found culpable.
The Municipal Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Ms. Christine Osei Bonsu, advised the beneficiaries to keep the items properly to ensure they last and serve their purpose.
She said a monitoring team would be visiting the beneficiaries to ensure they are using the items as required.
Among the officials at the presentation ceremony were the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. Nii-Amarh Ashitey; Presiding Member (PM), Hon. Bright Paul Mintah; Chairman for the Social Services Sub-Committee and Assembly Member for Agbogba, Hon. Dennis Mensah Sowah; Procurement Officer, Yusuf Rockson Bukari; and Public Relations Officer (PRO), Okunyin Boaz Orlan-Hackman.
