The Bawku Municipal Assembly has disbursed an amount of
GH¢21,000 to 70 Persons Living With Disability (PLWD) in Bawku to enable them
engage in productive ventures necessary in enhancing their living standard.
From June 2010 till date the assembly has spent over GH¢39,304 on PWDs in the
locality via payment of school fees, medical bills travelling allowances and
purchasing of stationeries for schools among others. The disbursement of the
said moneys was made possible upon numerous request and business proposals
presented to the assembly for support.
Through the support of the assembly beneficiaries mainly persons with
all forms of disabilities are engage in various trades and vocations with some
involved in income generating activities such as basket weaving, piggery and
animal husbandry. At a short ceremony held in Bawku, the Municipal Chief
Executive, Hon. Musah Abdullai said that PLWD are also God’s creation and
therefore their wellbeing should be the concern of all. The donation, he
mentioned was in line with government’s manifesto promise of reaching out to
the poor and vulnerable group in society. Hon. Abdulai who demonstrated great
empathy in his speech said PWDs have the ability of contributing meaningfully
to the development of the country when given the chance to explore the
available opportunities necessary in deepening the progress of the economy. Mr
Abdullai disputed the traditional notion that disability was a curse, adding
that everyone is a potential disabled person. He however appealed to all to
respect the rights of PWDs since it is no fault of theirs to be in that state.
He said government under the NDC places much premium in the welfare of PLWD,
thus the establishment of the 2 percent allocation of the district assembly
common fund devoted for the wellbeing of persons with all forms of disability.
He said for no apparent reason should PLWD be discriminated upon or put under
public ridicule but contact the relevant authorities for assistance to
enable them also develop their God given talents. Mr Abdullai on the other hand
cautioned beneficiaries not to misuse the seed capital but make proper use of
it to better their lives. The chairman of the Bawku Municipal Disability Fund
Management Committee, Mr. David Azare told Radio Ghana that those who did not
benefit from the package and are ready to learn trades would be taken through
batik tie and die as well as soap and powder making, whilst others would taught
dressmaking and hairdressing. He also promised special package
for those without National Health Insurance Scheme. The Municipal Social
Welfare officer, Mr. Albert Boateng was grateful to the Bawku Municipal
Assembly for renovating the Girls Vocational School which is being used as the
Municipal I.C.T Training Centre. Physically challenged persons, he revealed are
benefiting from the I.C.T program undertaken at the centre. He therefore charged the Civil Society
Organizations to emulate the kind gesture and also support the PWD in diverse
ways to live a dignified life so as to help minimize begging of alms on the
streets.
GBC
END
IA/
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