In a significant move toward fostering inclusive growth and economic independence, the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly has distributed a comprehensive array of livelihood and essential support items to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) within the municipality.
The ceremony, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Anwel Sadat, saw 36 beneficiaries receive tools and commodities tailored to their specific vocational needs and household requirements.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure that the 3% allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for PWDs is utilized effectively to alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
The items distributed were carefully selected to match the skills and business interests of the recipients, ensuring that the support translates into sustainable income. Among the items handed over were:
Industrial and Manual Sewing Machines for tailoring and dressmaking.
Knitting Machines for textile production.
Deep Freezers for cold-store and beverage businesses.
Fufu Processing Machines to modernize local food preparation services.
Provisions and Foodstuffs to provide immediate relief and stock for retail kiosks.
Speaking at the presentation, Hon. Anwel Sadat emphasized that the distribution was not merely a gesture of charity but a strategic investment in the human capital of the municipality.
“Our goal is to move away from the culture of dependency and move toward a culture of empowerment,” the MCE stated. “By providing these tools, we are giving our brothers and sisters the means to create wealth, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.”
The Oforikrom Municipal Assembly has consistently prioritized the welfare of marginalized groups. Hon. Sadat highlighted that the selection process was transparent and rigorous, aimed at identifying those most in need of a “hand-up” to kickstart or expand their small-scale enterprises.
Beyond the physical items, the MCE urged the beneficiaries to maintain the equipment properly and resist the temptation to sell them for short-term financial gain. He noted that the Assembly’s social welfare department would conduct periodic monitoring to ensure that the items are being used for their intended purposes and to provide further technical guidance where necessary.
The atmosphere at the event was one of hope and renewed determination. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a representative of the local chapter of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) expressed profound gratitude to the Assembly and the MCE.
The representative noted that for many PWDs, the lack of startup capital and equipment is the primary barrier to self-reliance. With these new tools, many who were previously unemployed now have the opportunity to become business owners and employers themselves.
The distribution exercise underscores the Assembly’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities. By integrating PWDs into the economic fabric of Oforikrom, the Assembly is building a more resilient and equitable municipality.
As the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly continues to implement its development agenda, officials have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind, regardless of their physical or social circumstances.
