The President of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Oti Region, Emmanuel Donkor, has issued a strong call for a significant expansion of livelihood programs and support services specifically tailored to the needs of PWDs within the region. Addressing a start-up kits distribution exercise organized by the Krachi East Municipal Assembly, Mr. Donkor emphasized the critical importance of integrating PWDs into broader government initiatives designed to reduce poverty and foster self-reliance. He stated that while targeted assistance has been provided, a significant gap remains in the availability of comprehensive programs that extend beyond immediate assistance, encompassing initiatives like Nkoko Nkitinkitin, agribusiness schemes, and other governmental livelihood programs.
Mr. Donkor underscored that including PWDs in these programs would move beyond sporadic support and facilitate the establishment of sustainable sources of income, a crucial shift from relying primarily on occasional aid. “The support we’ve received is vital, but we need to be actively embedded within programs that cultivate consistent income and growth,” he asserted. He further stressed the need for deliberate and sustained efforts to ensure PWDs are afforded equal opportunities to participate in economic activities, advocating for a shift towards comprehensive inclusion.
The call came amidst the presentation of a diverse array of resources to beneficiaries, including refrigerators, industrial sewing machines, farm inputs, cash support, fufu pounding machines, and cassava grinding machines – all strategically funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), allocated as a five percent percentage of disability inclusion within the national budget. The initiative, spearheaded by the Krachi East Municipal Assembly, aims to empower beneficiaries to generate income, enhance their economic independence, and improve their overall livelihoods. The MCE, Sarfo Nketia, urged beneficiaries to utilize these resources responsibly, emphasizing the Assembly’s commitment to promoting inclusive development and ensuring that vulnerable groups are afforded opportunities to improve their living conditions. He also cautioned against the potential for equipment and equipment to be sold, highlighting the Assembly’s ongoing monitoring efforts to prevent misuse.
The President’s statement reflects a broader national strategy to prioritize social interventions that center vulnerable groups, aligning with a commitment to addressing inequality and promoting equitable development across the country. Mr. Donkor commended President Mahama for his efforts to bolster social programs aimed at supporting vulnerable communities, stating that these initiatives represent a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. He further highlighted the importance of strengthening the existing framework for PWD inclusion, stressing that the Assembly will intensify monitoring to guarantee that support translates into tangible economic benefits for the PWD population in Krachi East and the wider Oti Region.
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Source: Adom Online
