Gov’t Rescues PWDs, HIV/AIDS Patients …

…Releases GH¢30,921,954.58 For District Assemblies

By Frank Amponsah

Government has released an amount of Twenty Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty One Thousand, Five Hundred andForty Two Ghana Cedis,Thirty Four Ghana Pesewas (GHS128, 831,542.34) to settle payment for allocation for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Support under the District Assembly Common Fund.

This was announced by the District Assembly Common Fund secretariat in a press release signed and issued by the Administrator, Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo.

According to her, the amount released would cover fourth quarter of 2016, first, second and third quarters of 2017.

She also revealed that another amount, Two Million and Ninety Thousand, Four Hundred and Twelve Cedis, Twenty four Ghana Pesewas (GHS2,090,412.24), which also represents fourth quarter of 2016, first, second and third quarters of 2017 had been released for Persons With HIV/AIDS.

Out of the said allocations as stated by the Secretariat, GHS1,554,245.96 would go to the Western Region, GHS1,433,327.31 to the Central Region, GHS1,597,488.38 for the Greater Accra Region, GHS1,788,146.21 for the Eastern Region, GHS1,742,880.15 for the Volta Region and GHS2,291,138.33 for the Ashanti Region.

GHS1,932,510.28 for the Brong Ahafo Region, GHS1,764,650.86 for the Northern Region, GHS718,710.07 for the Upper West Region and GHS15,618,027.26 for the Upper East Region.

According to the District Assembly Common Fund Administrator, all District Chief Executives and Members of Parliaments (MPs) must be part of the implementation and monitoring of the PWD/HIV programmes in their districts and constituencies for efficiency and effectiveness.

This, Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo said, will help provide employment opportunities, alleviate poverty and create economic empowerment opportunities for People with Disabilities.

“All MMDAs must conform to the following guidelines; Equip over 50 PWDs registered in their Assemblies in economic and business ventures, and provide them with working tools and equipment such as freezers, sewing machines, corn-mills, pop-corn machines, barbering tools, welding and carpentry machines, shoe makers kits, hair dryers, spraying machines among others to enable them get themselves established.”

The MMDAs are also cautioned to reserve 10% of the Common Fund for school fees and training whilst reserving an additional 10% for medicals and assistive devices.

Meanwhile, all MMDCEs are encouraged to ensure the smooth running of the Fund and are to report to the office of the District Assemblies Common Fund for details regarding the disbursement including the names of beneficiaries, their locations and supports provided.