Ensuring Support for Persons with Disabilities in Ho
Mr. Stephen Adom, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ho, has made a strong commitment to ensure that persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the municipality receive their rightful share of support under the Disability Common Fund. This assurance was made during a ceremony held in Ho on Wednesday, where livelihood support items were presented to beneficiaries.
Adom highlighted that over the years, PWDs have raised concerns about resources meant for them not always reaching the intended recipients. He emphasized that his administration is determined to address this issue and ensure that all support reaches those who need it most.
“Brothers and sisters living with disabilities often complain that items meant for them do not get distributed properly,” he said. “Under His Excellency John Mahama’s leadership previously, and now under my tenure, I want to ensure that everything due them is delivered directly into their hands.”
The support provided is aimed at reducing hardship and promoting economic independence among beneficiaries. Adom explained that the goal is not to provide full comfort but to ease daily challenges so that individuals do not resort to begging.
“I will not allow anyone to deprive them of what belongs to them. That is why I am here personally to supervise and hand over the items,” he added.
Adom also urged beneficiaries to make the best use of the support to establish sustainable livelihoods. Those who received industrial machines and working tools were encouraged to use them to work and expand their ventures. Similarly, those who received food items were advised to grow their businesses to attain economic stability.
He expressed concern about families who neglect persons with disabilities but return only when benefits are being distributed. “These individuals did not choose their conditions. If you abandon them and return only to take what is meant for them, God will not bless you,” he cautioned.
To ensure accountability and proper use of the support, the MCE announced that a monitoring team will routinely visit beneficiaries. “If we find that someone is doing well and needs further support, we will boost their business. There is more funding available, so we must use it responsibly and ensure the right people benefit,” he said.
Areas Covered by the Disability Common Fund
Mr. Alex Kwasi Akpo, the Chairman of the Disability Common Fund Management Committee, outlined the areas supported under the Fund. These include income generation, education and apprenticeship, health and assistive devices, and organisational development.
Akpo revealed that five beneficiaries with mental health conditions are currently undergoing rehabilitation with the support of the Social Welfare Unit, which caters for their medication and basic needs.
During the event, 76 beneficiaries received various support items, including:
- Industrial sewing machines
- Deep freezers
- Bags of rice, cooking oil, and food ingredients
- Laptops
- Working capital
- Crutches and hearing aids
- Other assistive aid
- Payment of school fees
Akpo added that a revised register of PWDs would soon be compiled to expand the range of beneficiaries under new national guidelines.
Reactions from Beneficiaries
Some recipients who spoke with the GNA expressed gratitude to the Assembly and the Fund Management Committee, saying the support would empower them to sustain their livelihoods and care for their families.