MMDAs failing to release Common Fund to PWDs

The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) says some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are failing to release the two per cent Common Fund meant for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

The Federation has also expressed worry over the late release of the fund to facilitate the activities people.

Persons With Disabilities enjoy two per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund, an amount meant to support members and their activities in order to enable them contribute to national development.

Mr Yaw Ofori-Debrah, President of the GFD, told the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday that quotas for the second and third quarters of 2012 were released just about three months ago and that some MMDAs have still not made the funds available to members.

He said these failures are frustrating the disabled society.

“We need to pay our school fees, buy assistive devices, support expansion of businesses and empower needy disabled persons, yet the funds are released late,” Mr Ofori-Debrah said.

The Federation has, therefore, called on those assemblies holding on to the funds, to as a matter of urgency release them to enable its member’s better serve their needs.

The GFD has also called on the government to ensure timely release of the funds to the various assemblies, to facilitate quick disbursement.