The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly has disbursed cash and items amounting to Sixty-Three Thousand and Forty Ghana Cedis (GH¢63,040.00) to Persons with Disability (PWDs) and three Disabled Associations from the Assembly’s 3% share of the Common Fund allocation for PWDs. At a brief presentation ceremony held at the central court of the Assembly’s main office, the Metro Director of Social Welfare, Madam Constance Baiden pointed out that the Department receives applications for support from individuals and groups adding that such applications are reviewed and approved by the Fund Management Committee. She mentioned that the Fund Management Committee approved the applications of three Disabled Associations and twenty-four persons with disability for the first quarter based on the amount available. Madam Constance pointed out that the approvals are done in batches and that

every applicant would get his or her fair share when funds are made available. The items presented to the beneficiaries include a refrigerator, 6 deep freezers, 3 Ice chest freezers, provisions, drinks, water. She also pointed out that Twenty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢25,500.00) were given as financial support to thirteen beneficiaries comprising of 8 females and 5 males for educational and medical bills as well as business support. She again mentioned that three Associations namely, Ghana Blind Union, Ghana National Association for Deaf and Ghana Society of Physical Disabled were supported with Two Thousand Three Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,300.00), Two Thousand, One Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,100.00) and One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Ghana Cedis (GH¢1,740.00) respectively to attend their conferences.

She indicated that two mentally challenged persons were sent to Ankaful for medical attention which costs Two Thousand, Nine Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,900.00). Madam Constance prevailed upon the beneficiaries to make good use of the support received to enable them be independent to have a life of their own adding that it is the vision of government to support PWDs have a normal life to be useful to society and the nation at large. She urged them to regularly contact their union leaders with all their concerns adding that the department has constant engagements with their unions and so would ensure that their concerns are met to enable them live in harmony.