The disability community in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana has received a cash disbursement of GH¢80,000 A total of 40 beneficiaries each received a cheque for GH¢2,000 The funds were made available from the Disability Fund, a component of Ghana’s District Assemblies’ Common Fund.
The Government of Ghana established the Disability Fund in 2005 to build the capacity of persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly those outside of formal employment, enabling them to engage in livelihood-generating activities. The fund began with an initial allocation of 2% of the Common Fund, which was later increased to 3% as a result of advocacy efforts from various stakeholders.
At a brief ceremony held on October 11, 2024 at the district office of Social Welfare and Community Development (SW&CD), the District Director, Madam Victoria Asuliwono, disclosed that out of the total beneficiaries, 13 were men and 27 were women She also noted that 94 PWD students comprising 53 girls and 41 boys , at various educational levels—including elementary, senior high, and tertiary institutions—had already received bursaries to aid in their educational pursuits.
Madam Asuliwono explained that adult PWDs primarily apply to the Fund through her office for support in income-generating activities. However, she emphasized that these funds are not simply handed out without follow-ups and supervision. “This is to ensure that PWDs do not misapply the funds, as mismanagement would be counterproductive to their well-being and to the nation,” she stated.
She commended the government for the periodic release of funds, noting that this was the third disbursement her office has conducted in less than 11 months, following earlier distributions in February and June 2024.
The Kassena-Nankana West District Chief Executive, Hon. Gerard Ataogye, who presented the cheques to the elated beneficiaries, announced that the presidential candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr. Bawumia, has pledged to implement a policy that will cover all educational expenses for PWDs in tertiary institutions, making it entirely free. He expressed the government’s commitment to valuing the contributions of PWDs to national development and assured that efforts would continue to increase funding for their support and well-being, stating that “disability can never be equated to inability.”
The Upper East Regional President for PWDs, Mr. Mark Atia Ismael, pledged that the Ghana Federation of the Disabled would continue to advocate for improvements in the living conditions of PWDs. However, he cautioned members to act responsibly to avoid drawing negative perceptions about the larger community of PWDs in the country. He also urged recipients of the funds to use the money judiciously, warning that those who misdirect resources risk being blacklisted in future applications.
Meanwhile, the District Finance Officer, Mr. Osman Zida, advised PWDs to keep their cheques safe until they choose to cash them, noting that some beneficiaries from previous disbursements misplaced their cheques, necessitating fresh issuances from his office.
Source: Peter Wedam District Information Officer.