Sissala East Municipal Assembly Invests GH"280,000 in Economic Empowerment for 45 Persons with Disabilities

The Sissala East Municipal Assembly has disbursed a total of GH"280,000 to 45 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to advance social inclusion and facilitate economic independence within the municipality. Funded through the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF), the disbursement targeted 31 females and 14 males, providing them with the necessary capital and resources to improve their livelihoods. This initiative underscores a significant commitment by local authorities to ensure that vulnerable populations are integrated into the region's developmental agenda through direct financial and material support.

Beyond addressing immediate educational and healthcare needs, the Assembly provided specialized assets tailored to the beneficiaries' specific vocations and agricultural requirements. These resources included goats, fertilizer, and a specialized water tanker designed to mitigate local logistical challenges for PWDs in business. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Yakubu Adamu, who led the distribution, emphasized that the initiative is a critical component of the government's broader strategy for poverty reduction. He noted that the goal is to transform beneficiaries into self-reliant entrepreneurs who can contribute actively to the local economy and national development.

The recent allocation reflects a strategic shift in policy, as the mandatory portion of the Common Fund dedicated to PWDs has been increased from 3% to 5%. This policy change has allowed the Sissala East Municipal Assembly to expand its reach; notably, this latest round of funding follows a prior disbursement of GH"249,062 to 42 beneficiaries earlier this year. By consistently increasing the volume and frequency of these disbursements, the Assembly aims to create a sustainable safety net that fosters long-term financial security for the disabled community.

To ensure the program's success, local authorities and community leaders have emphasized the need for strict accountability and monitoring. Beneficiaries, including local shoemaker Mahama Yakubu who has already seen positive changes in his livelihood, have been urged to use the funds and assets judiciously. Community leaders expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and assured the Assembly that monitoring mechanisms are in place to track the progress of each recipient, ensuring that the resources are not mismanaged but used to build a more equitable and inclusive municipality.