Goaso:President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to import rechargeable electric wheelchairs to aid persons with disabilities (PWDs). The initiative aims to facilitate their movement and will be implemented as a pilot project.
According to Ghana News Agency, the electric wheelchairs, once imported, will be handed over to the National Council on Disability. President Mahama shared this information during his Citizens' Engagement in Goaso, marking the end of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour in the Ahafo Region.
The President emphasized that if the pilot project proves successful, it will be replicated annually. He also noted that the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for PWDs has been increased from three to five percent under his administration.
Furthermore, President Mahama mentioned plans to amend the Persons With Disability Act, 2006, to better protect and promote the rights of PWDs. In terms of healthcare, he highlighted the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which aims to provide free healthcare services. Additionally, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares, has been established to alleviate the financial burden of costly medical treatments, including cancer care and dialysis.