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In an effort to foster financial independence and reduce street begging within the Ahafo Region, the Tano South Municipal Assembly has distributed vital livelihood support items to 74 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). During a ceremony held in Bechem, the assembly provided a variety of tools and resources designed to help beneficiaries establish sustainable businesses or pursue educational goals. This initiative marks a significant step in the local government's strategy to integrate PWDs into the socio-economic development of the municipality.
The support package was diverse, tailored to the specific vocational needs and academic pursuits of the recipients. Items distributed included refrigerators for cold-store businesses, industrial sewing machines for fashion designers, and laptops for students and professionals. In addition to physical equipment, the assembly also provided scholarships to help students with disabilities cover academic costs. Speaking at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, highlighted that these resources were not merely gifts but strategic investments in the dignity and future of the beneficiaries.
MCE Frimpong used the occasion to issue a stern warning against the sale of the provided items, a practice that has occasionally undermined similar social intervention programs in the past. He urged the public to patronize the businesses run by PWDs, noting that economic inclusion is a shared community responsibility. One of the beneficiaries, Victor Atuahene, who received educational support, expressed deep gratitude for the gesture, stating that the assistance would be instrumental in his academic advancement and his long-term goal of becoming a productive member of society.
Beyond individual empowerment, the Tano South Municipal Assembly’s initiative reflects a broader national commitment to upholding the rights of PWDs as enshrined in the Persons with Disability Act. By providing these tools, the local government aims to transition individuals from dependency on street begging to active participation in the local economy. Moving forward, the assembly intends to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries to ensure the resources are being used effectively to improve their quality of life and that of their families.