Koforidua Disability Fund Support Curbs Street Begging

The New Juaben South Municipal Assembly has substantially reduced street begging among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Koforidua. This success comes from the continuous distribution of economic empowerment support.

This support protects the dignity of PWDs and enhances their economic inclusion. It helps PWDs establish sustainable livelihoods and improve their financial independence. The initiative targets challenges such as limited education access, high unemployment, and social stigma.

Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) dedicate 3% of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to PWDs. This fund procures equipment, machinery, and startup tools for beneficiaries. It also provides seed capital for businesses and educational assistance for qualified applicants. The DACF is a central government fund disbursed to local government units for development projects across Ghana.

Hon. Ransford Owusu Boakye, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for New Juaben South, confirmed the positive impact. He stated, “For more indications, we don’t have disabled persons in the streets as we earlier had. For more indications, it's an improvement on what we had earlier.” This statement underlines the visible change in the community. The MCE spoke during a recent distribution event in Koforidua.

The New Juaben South Municipal Assembly distributed various items at the event. These included deep freezers, ovens, fufu pounding machines, and laptops. They also provided wheelchairs, movable shop shelves, and cash as seed capital for businesses. These items directly empower PWDs to engage in productive economic activities. Beneficiaries expressed optimism that this support would improve their living conditions. They hope to expand their businesses and become financially self-reliant. This outcome aligns with Ghana’s broader goal of reducing poverty and promoting inclusive growth.

The New Juaben South Social Welfare Officer, Miss Josephine Belinda Dzoko, highlighted the need for ongoing support. She emphasized continuous technical assistance, monitoring, and evaluation. This ensures the sustainability and profitability of businesses launched through the fund. Such oversight is critical to maximizing the economic impact of the GHS 4.2 billion DACF, ensuring funds are used effectively. This program is part of wider government efforts to integrate PWDs into the formal economy. It complements other initiatives like free Senior High and tertiary education for PWDs.

The sustained efforts are expected to further reduce urban poverty and dependency across Ghana. Continued monitoring will be crucial to evaluate the long-term economic returns and social benefits of this targeted intervention. Policymakers will be watching for data on job creation and income generation among PWDs in the coming years. The success of this model could inform similar programs in other municipalities facing similar challenges.