Hon. Abubakari Sediq Supports Over 60 PWDs with Business Start-Up Items in Ahafo Ano South West
The Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly in the Ashanti Region has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and social development by supporting over sixty (60) Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with various start-up items to enhance their livelihoods.
The gesture, which coincided with the commemoration of the International Day of the White Cane, formed part of the Assembly’s efforts to empower PWDs economically and promote self-reliance among vulnerable groups within the district. The items, valued at several thousands of Ghana cedis, were procured through the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities.
Beneficiaries received a variety of essential items including refrigerators, fufu pounding machines, bags of maize, tricycles (popularly known as “aboboyaa”), sewing machines, charcoal bags, and other trade tools meant to help them start or expand small-scale businesses.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Hon. Abubakari Sediq, reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the living standards of PWDs through sustainable empowerment initiatives. He emphasized that the disability fund was not meant for consumption but rather for long-term economic empowerment, encouraging beneficiaries to make productive use of the support.
> “This support is a direct investment in your future. We want every beneficiary to utilize the items profitably, grow your businesses, and, in turn, help others in your communities. The goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in our development agenda,” the DCE stated.
Hon. Abubakari Sediq disclosed that more than 60 persons had benefited from the fund this year, covering areas such as education, health, and economic empowerment. According to him, several individuals who had previously benefited from the initiative have now become self-sufficient and are contributing positively to their local economies.
He further noted that the Assembly, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, has put in place effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries make good use of the items rather than selling them for immediate financial gains.
“We are strengthening our monitoring system to follow up on all beneficiaries. This will help us track progress, provide further assistance when necessary, and prevent misuse of the resources,” he added.
The DCE commended the government for ensuring a consistent release of the Disability Common Fund, describing it as a vital tool in reducing poverty and promoting inclusivity among marginalized groups.
Several beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed deep appreciation to the Assembly and the DCE for the life-changing support. They described the intervention as timely and impactful, especially at a period when economic hardship has affected many families.
Madam Abena Serwaa, a visually impaired beneficiary who received a refrigerator, shared her gratitude, noting that the support would enable her to start a cold drinks business to support her children’s education.
The District Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Kwame Antwi, also urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that the disability fund is not a handout but a springboard for financial independence.
The ceremony, held at the forecourt of the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly, attracted Assembly Members, heads of departments, opinion leaders, and several community members who witnessed the symbolic presentation of items.
The initiative by Hon. Abubakari Sediq and the Assembly continues to reaffirm the government’s resolve to build an inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of physical ability, can contribute meaningfully to national development.
