Shama: Madam Cecilia Ayepa, a 45-year-old physically challenged charcoal seller from Aboso in the Shama District of the Western Region, has applauded the government for policies that have restored hope to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Ayepa expressed gratitude for the government's support, which has enabled her to trade independently without relying on credit. In the past, creditors compounded interest on the charcoal she sold on credit, affecting her profits. The District Assembly's Common Fund has now provided her with the resources to trade on her own terms. She stated, "I usually sell at a loss because all the profit goes back to the people who pity me and give me some bags of charcoal to trade. This support from the government through the Shama District Assembly will give me peace of mind to trade, have enough money to buy my daily needs and meet my hospital expenses."
The Shama District Assembly has disbursed support to 130 individuals, providing items such as deep freezers, fufu pounding machines, industrial and domestic sewing machines, hairdressing accessories, gas cylinders, ovens, and wheelchairs. District Chief Executive Mr. Paul Otis Dentu emphasized that the disbursement aims to ease the burdens of marginalized community members. He highlighted that the government has increased the Fund from three to five percent and assured that the allocated funds would remain untouched and used solely for the intended purpose.
Mr. Emmanuel Kwakye, the District Social Welfare and Community Development Officer, advised beneficiaries to request items they genuinely needed rather than succumbing to external pressures or comparisons. He noted that some beneficiaries asked for items they did not need, influenced by others' suggestions, despite the advisory efforts made by the Business Advisory Centre.
The Acting Chairman of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, Mr. Daniel Awotwe, along with Secretary Mr. Enoch Andoh, commended the government for increasing the Fund. They also urged the Assembly to work closely with the Federation and acknowledge it as a significant state body.