Tema: The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has directed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to update their registers of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in two weeks to ensure that beneficiaries have access to allocations meant for them. Speaking at a public engagement in the Tema Metropolitan Area, the minister expressed concern that many persons living with disabilities remain unaware of the availability of funds intended to support their education, businesses, and livelihoods.
According to Ghana Web, the government has significantly increased allocations to the Disability Fund, raising it from GHS263 million in 2025 to GHS438 million in 2026, and therefore, beneficiaries must be made aware of the opportunities available to them. "The people gave up because the money was not coming. Now there is renewed input, and there is hope. Let the people know that the fund is readily available so that they will have the opportunity to apply," he said.
Minister tackles Ayawaso Central Officials over missing Disability Fund. Ibrahim noted that government policies such as free tertiary education and free school fees for persons with disabilities were aimed at improving their welfare, but stressed that support should not end after school. He observed that many graduates with disabilities struggle to find employment and therefore require access to financial assistance to establish businesses and become self-reliant.
The minister questioned local authorities on when they last convened a meeting of persons with disabilities within their jurisdictions and directed them to organise emergency engagements to update beneficiary records. Addressing a presiding member and assembly officials, he ordered that, within two weeks, assemblies should convene meetings with Members of Parliament, assembly leadership, and representatives of disability groups to verify and update their registers.
"When they come, check their Ghana Cards, locations, and addresses and update the album," he said, referring to the beneficiary database maintained by assemblies. Ibrahim further instructed that the exercise should be non-partisan and include all eligible persons with disabilities, regardless of political affiliation. "Whether NDC, NPP, PNC or CPP, invite them and compile a new register," he stated.
He explained that updated records should be shared among assemblies, relevant committees, and disability organisations to improve coordination and ensure direct communication with beneficiaries. The minister also criticised some assemblies for failing to utilise funds already allocated to them, revealing that one assembly had an unspent balance of GHS33,000 from the 2023 allocation. "How can you have GHS33,000 in your account?" he questioned.
Ibrahim stressed that assemblies must improve the management and disbursement of disability funds to ensure that the resources reach intended beneficiaries and contribute meaningfully to improving their living conditions.