
In a dedicated effort to foster economic independence and inclusivity, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Suhum Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region, Lydia Sarah Ohenewaa, has presented essential start-up items and resources to 52 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within the municipality.
The initiative is designed to provide recipients with the sustainable means to build their own livelihoods, reduce economic vulnerability, and achieve long-term self-reliance.
The distributed items were Fufu pounding machines, pepper grinding machines, Popcorn machines, chest freezers, hand dryers, and bags of charcoal. In addition to the entrepreneurial tools, the MCE presented four laptops to four students with disabilities to directly assist them with their academic studies and digital literacy.
Speaking at a brief presentation ceremony held at the Suhum main lorry station on Wednesday, September 9, Lydia Sarah Ohenewaa emphasized that disability does not mean inability. She noted that individuals living with disabilities possess the same inherent qualities, talents, and potential as anyone else.
The MCE urged the recipients to take pride in their identities and achievements, highly praising their invaluable and amazing contributions to the overall development of the country.
According to her, President John Dramani Mahama’s love for PWDs is beyond imagination, hence increasing the Assembly’s Disability Common Fund from 3% to 5% to purchase their preferred items so they can sell the items received and use the proceeds to feed themselves, to make their life easier.
Lydia Ohenewaa further said that most of the physically challenged persons were not born with it, but certain circumstances made them who they are today, and nobody should underestimate their potential; rather, we should accept and should love them in society since nobody can predict what may happen to us in the near future.
The Suhum MCE used one stone to kill two birds by commissioning a corn-milling shop for the PWDs at the Suhum event park. She pleaded with the residents of Suhum to patronize them to enable them to earn some income to take care of themselves.
The Chairperson of the Suhum Disability Federation, Isaac Tettheh, highlighted that people with disabilities face significant livelihood challenges because their conditions often deter employers from hiring them.
Consequently, the federation proposed that the government allocate a 5 percent employment quota across all public sectors to help them achieve financial independence, though this request has so far been unsuccessful.
Tettheh strongly criticized the lack of progress, calling on the government to reconsider the proposal and provide employment opportunities that allow individuals with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Meanwhile, several beneficiaries speaking to journalists expressed their appreciation to the government for supporting their welfare and providing impactful resources to improve their lives.
The chairperson of the program, Nana Arko-Bensua, the Suhumhemaa, praised the government for introducing such a life-changing initiative for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the district.
She advised beneficiaries to make good use of the items to ensure the government’s investment does not go to waste.
By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.
Source// Obohnewsonline.com.








