Two per cent fund for disabled mismanaged - Tuggan

The Federation of Disabled has expressed concern about the mismanagement of the two percent of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund allocated to Persons With Disabilities.

Mr. Isaac Tuggan, Advocacy Officer for the Federation, alleged that management of the fund was fraught with problems because the districts borrowed the money and did not pay back.

Mr. Tuggan named some of the districts which were allegedly involved as the Lawra and Bole, which had borrowed the money and were yet to pay. But Ketu South which had also borrowed some of the money, had paid back

Mr. Tuggan who said this at a press conference in Accra alleged that Ledzokuku-Krowor and La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assemblies had also "become purchasing officers of items meant for the Federation, adding that they buy the items from friends at very high prices".

The conference was organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), to bring to light challenges faced by the Federation with the disbursement and utilization of the fund.

He said if the Committee managing the fund could provide bank statement to the Federation, it would help members to have an idea of how much money was provided, how much was spent and what was left, instead of keeping the information from members.

Mr. Ofori Debrah, President of the Federation, said Common Fund Allocation for the last quarter of the year 2013 was provided only last month, but the Federation had not received anything thing at all for this year.

“As we talk now, we haven’t seen anything and don’t see any sign either”, he said, adding that the amount varies from district to district.

He said though the fund was laudable, people who should benefit did not get the full benefit, adding that sometimes -information from the banks as to the availability of the fund was also difficult to get.

Mr. Ofori urged government to do some monitoring of the utilization of the fund, and appealed to the Media to keep an eye on the allocation and disbursement of the fund to disabled persons.

He said the existence of the Federation had helped many disabled persons to be empowered, to occupy positions in government and other offices, citing the example of the Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Seidu Danaa.

Mr. Ofori explained that due to the delay in the disbursement of the fund, some of their members were forced to go on to the streets to beg.

Mr. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA, asked Journalists to carry out investigations to unravel some of the mismanagement issues.