Ashaiman: The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) has restructured the disbursement of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by donating essential productive equipment to foster self-reliance and ensure sustainable economic independence and social inclusion.
According to Ghana News Agency, the assembly has shifted from cash-based support to sustainable economic empowerment by donating items such as fridges, sewing machines, deep freezers, and ovens to several beneficiaries within the municipality. Mr. Freeman Tsekpor, the Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), highlighted that the assembly is moving towards a more purposeful investment approach, focusing on providing necessary equipment rather than direct cash.
Mr. Tsekpor explained that although the fund traditionally supports medical needs and the purchase of assistive devices like white canes and hearing aids, the primary focus is now on economic empowerment to prevent beneficiaries from resorting to street begging. He stated, "We have noticed that many people come forward just to access the funds for physical cash. That is why we are changing the process. If you want to operate a business, such as a barbershop, we will provide the necessary items and equipment to ensure the assistance actually leads to a sustainable job."
The new screening process, set to intensify in the second and third quarters, aims to directly impact the economic lives of PWDs rather than providing money. Mr. Joshua Addy, the Acting National Coordinator for the Regional Directorate of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), supported the initiative, emphasizing that the common fund is a crucial government tool for poverty alleviation among PWDs. He noted that the fund prioritizes those who are unemployed, students, or seeking vocational training rather than those already in government employment.
Mr. Addy stated, "The goal is to ensure that no person with a disability is left without support," and urged recipients to use the funds and items for their intended purposes, whether for education, health, or income-generating activities, to demonstrate the positive impact of the initiative to the government.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the assistance had initially seemed untrue until it became a reality for them. They encouraged others in similar situations to seek help from the assembly.