The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey has presented working tools and financial support valued at GH¢313,919.40 to eighty- eight (88) persons with special needs in the metropolis, reaffirming the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) commitment to inclusion and economic empowerment.

 Out of the total, the cost of equipment distributed amounted to GH¢197,119.40, while GH¢116,800 was allocated as working capital support to beneficiaries comprising 50 males and 38 females.

The items distributed included thirty-eight 200-litre Nasco deep freezers, one showcase refrigerator, three fufu blending machines, five industrial sewing machines, one industrial knitting machine with GH¢300 each, three gas popcorn machines with 6kg gas cylinders and GH¢500 each, one 2000W high-pressure washer, one electric wheelchair, one pair of hearing aids, and one laptop.

In addition, 32 beneficiaries also received financial support of GH¢3,000 each, while one person received GH¢3,000 as educational support.

The beneficiaries included 46 physically challenged persons, 11 visually impaired persons, 10 hearing impaired persons, six persons with cerebral palsy, four with Down syndrome, two with epilepsy, two mentally challenged persons, two with multiple disabilities, three intellectually challenged persons, one person with autism, and one with a learning disability.

Addressing the gathering at the presentation held on Friday ahead of the valentine’s day celebration, the Mayor said disability was not anyone’s choice and that all people were created equal, adding that physical or sensory challenges did not make anyone less human.

The Mayor recounted a recent personal experience involving his bodyguard, Gideon Lamptey popularly known as ‘Adodo’, who is hearing and speech impaired, noting that engaging him had reinforced his belief that persons with disabilities only required understanding and the right support systems to perform effectively.

He announced plans to engage the Presiding Member of the AMA, Hon. Musah Ziyad to work toward establishing a policy that would allow persons with disabilities to be employed in specific roles within the Assembly, adding that he hoped the next General Assembly would formalise such a policy to guarantee equal opportunities.

He emphasised that inclusion was not charity but a responsibility, observing that anyone could be disabled at any time.

The Chairperson of the Disability Fund Management Committee (DFMC), Mad. Gladys Abgenu, in a welcome address, thanked the Mayor and guests for attending the programme.

The Chairperson urged recipients to use the items for their intended purposes and not to neglect them, stressing that productive engagement would promote financial independence, respect, and dignity in society.