The Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly has demonstrated its commitment to promoting the welfare and socio-economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by providing livelihood support and other forms of assistance to 70 beneficiaries under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) Disability Fund.
The beneficiaries received support in three major categories aimed at improving their living conditions and promoting self-reliance. Out of the total beneficiaries, 59 received economic empowerment packages to support their income-generating activities, 10 benefited from medical assistance, while one person received educational support.
Addressing beneficiaries and stakeholders during the presentation ceremony, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Hon. Abubakar Sedik, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities are not left behind in the district’s development agenda.
He stated that since assuming office, the Assembly has prioritised the prudent and transparent utilisation of the Disability Fund, ensuring that the resources are channelled solely towards improving the lives of eligible beneficiaries.
According to the DCE, the latest support package brings the total number of Persons with Disabilities who have benefited from the Fund in 2026 to 96. He explained that the beneficiaries comprise 73 under economic empowerment, 12 under medical support, and 11 under educational assistance.
Hon. Sedik further disclosed that since 2025, a total of 161 Persons with Disabilities have received various forms of support from the Assembly, reflecting his administration’s determination to promote inclusive development and improve the quality of life of vulnerable members of society.
He commended President John Dramani Mahama for increasing the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund earmarked for Persons with Disabilities from three per cent to five per cent, describing the decision as a landmark intervention that would significantly strengthen disability inclusion programmes across the country.
The DCE said the increased allocation would enable Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to extend assistance to more beneficiaries while expanding economic empowerment initiatives, educational opportunities and healthcare support for Persons with Disabilities.
He assured members of the disability community that his office would continue to maintain an open-door policy and pledged to champion programmes and policies that promote equal opportunities, social inclusion and economic independence for all Persons with Disabilities in the district.
The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South West, Hon. Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items and financial support they had received to improve their livelihoods.
He assured them of his continuous support and reiterated his commitment to working with the District Assembly to implement programmes that would enhance the living conditions of Persons with Disabilities throughout the constituency.
The Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr Mengisto Opoku Akowuah, disclosed that the department would closely monitor beneficiaries to ensure that the support provided is utilised for its intended purpose.
He explained that regular monitoring and evaluation would help assess the impact of the interventions while promoting accountability and encouraging beneficiaries to become economically self-reliant.
The President of the Ahafo Ano South West Federation of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Agyenim Boateng, expressed appreciation to President Mahama for increasing the Disability Fund allocation and commended the District Assembly, under the leadership of Hon. Abubakar Sedik, for its consistent support for Persons with Disabilities.
He also encouraged members of disability groups within the district to actively participate in meetings, training programmes and other activities organised by the federation to strengthen their collective advocacy and development.
As part of efforts to strengthen disability organisations within the district, the Assembly facilitated the opening of bank accounts for recognised disability groups and provided financial support to enable them to organise meetings and undertake administrative activities effectively.
The beneficiary organisations include the Ghana Blind Union (GBU), the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD), the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFDO), among other recognised disability associations operating within the district.
The intervention forms part of the Assembly’s broader strategy to promote inclusive governance, economic empowerment and equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, while ensuring that no one is excluded from the district’s socio-economic development.
