The Tolon District Assembly has supported 70 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the district to improve their livelihoods.

The beneficiaries received cash and income-generating items such as deep freezers, laptops, poly tanks, and industrial sewing machines. The support was valued at GH¢150,000.

The initiative, facilitated by the Social Welfare Department, is part of the government's commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment under the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) allocation. The support was funded through the 5% share of the DACF specifically allocated for PWDs.

The Tolon District Director of the Social Welfare Department, Micheal Deku, noted that this is the third time the Assembly is supporting PWDs to enhance their livelihoods, adding that the disbursements have been very successful.

He highlighted that the fund continues to support PWDs in various areas, including business development, agriculture, education, and health.

Deku reiterated that the beneficiaries are utilizing the support to improve their lives, adding, “So far, so good, the PWDs are doing well.”

He, however, cautioned the beneficiaries not to sell the items given to them but to make good use of the support, emphasising that it is intended to make them more self-reliant and financially independent.

The Tolon District Chief Executive, Seidu Braimah, who presented the cash and items, urged beneficiaries to utilize the support for its intended purposes to ensure it leads to sustainable economic growth for their families.

Braimah explained that the government has prioritised the needs of PWDs and increased the DACF allocation for Persons with Disabilities from 3% to 5% to boost social inclusion and economic empowerment.

He further noted that the social protection policy is designed to provide economic empowerment, medical support, and educational assistance.

Mohammed Braimah, a PWD and resident of Nyankpala, who received GH¢2,000 cash for health purposes, thanked the managers of the fund and the Tolon District Assembly for the gesture. Known as Major Seidu, he pledged to utilise the funds responsibly.