The intervention, organised by the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development of the Bekwai Municipal Assembly, seeks to promote economic empowerment, improve livelihoods and enhance the independence of beneficiaries.

Items distributed included deep freezers, fufu-pounding machines, wheelbarrows, industrial sewing machines, wheelchairs, white canes and ovens, among other equipment.

Some beneficiaries also received medical assistance, school fees support, trading capital and financial assistance for leg amputation.

Addressing participants at the distribution ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bekwai, Hon. Salifu Issaka, expressed appreciation to the government for its continued support for Persons with Disabilities.

He apologised for delays in the distribution, explaining that the large number of applications received required thorough assessment and approval processes to ensure that assistance reached the intended beneficiaries.

The MCE encouraged PWDs in the municipality to register with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development to enable the Assembly to maintain an accurate database, identify their needs and facilitate access to available support.

The Director of the Department, Mr Ibrahim Antwi, urged beneficiaries to take proper care of the items received and use them for their intended purposes to improve their livelihoods.

He also encouraged disability associations to promote unity and welcome more members to strengthen their collective representation and advocacy.

The President of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD), Mr Abdullah Adubofour, expressed appreciation to the government for the intervention and called for improved accessibility in public institutions.

He further urged families to support PWDs to pursue productive and dignified livelihoods, stressing the importance of creating an enabling environment for their participation in society.

Madam Dora Adomako of the Business Resource Centre educated beneficiaries on the importance of maintaining the equipment and putting it to productive use to generate income and ensure long-term benefits.