On 11th June 2026 at 9:00 am, the Mampong Municipal Assembly organised a durbar for Persons with Disabilities under the theme, “Promoting Responsible Utilization of Disability Fund for Sustainable Livelihoods”. The event formed part of the Assembly’s commitment to improving the welfare, economic empowerment, and social inclusion of persons living with disabilities within the Municipality. The durbar brought together officials of the Assembly, representatives of disability groups, traditional authorities, community members, and beneficiaries who received financial assistance and various livelihood support items aimed at enhancing their economic activities and improving their quality of life. Just before the Municipal Assembly gave his keynote address, Mr. Abu, Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development warmly welcomed all guests, dignitaries and beneficiaries. He highlighted the program’s purpose of promoting sustainable livelihoods, stressed transparent and responsible distribution of the Disability Fund and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to inclusion, accountability and long-term empowerment for Persons with Disabilities.
Mr. Abu, Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development warmly welcoming participants
Delivering the keynote address, the Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Yakubu Issifu addressed the gathering with profound enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility during the presentation of assistive devices and livelihood support to Persons with Disabilities in the Mampong Municipality. He opened his address by expressing profound appreciation for the invaluable contributions of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, development partners and all stakeholders whose unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts ensured the success of the occasion.
Hon. Issifu Yakubu, Municipal Chief Executive speaking at the programme
He reiterated the fundamental shift in the perception, distribution and utilization of the disability fund. He noted that for far too long, social protection and support funds had been regarded merely as tokens of charity. He therefore urged all present to alter that narrative, emphasizing that the collective mandate was to champion the responsible utilization of disability funds in order to build enduring and sustainable livelihoods for Persons with Disabilities across the Mampong Municipality, he stated.
The Disability Fund is enshrined within Ghana’s social protection framework and was established to advance the development of skills among Persons with Disabilities. Its primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of PWDs particularly those outside formal employment, to engage in viable livelihood activities as a strategic means of reducing poverty levels. Currently, five percent (5%) of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund is earmarked as the Disability Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
Hon. Issifu Yakubu, Municipal Chief Executive presenting a Fufu Pounding Machine to a PWD
The allocation is intended to equip beneficiaries for economic ventures, provide financial assistance, and supply essential working tools to foster economic independence. Additionally, the Fund extends support for education and skills training, as well as medical and health interventions, to ensure that PWDs remain functional and integrated within society. As a public fund, the Disability Fund carries a dual obligation. The Assembly is duty-bound to manage the resources with transparency, fairness and efficiency while beneficiaries are equally obligated to apply the support purposefully toward sustainable outcomes.
Various PWDs that attended the programme
The Assembly distributed assistive devices including wheelchairs, armpit and elbow crutches, white canes and livelihood support packages such as fufu machines, refrigerators, sewing machines, hair dryers, alongside educational, health and financial support to 171 beneficiaries. Though these items may appear ordinary, they signify freedom of movement, access to education, and the foundation for sustainable livelihoods for Persons with Disabilities. They affirm that PWDs matter, are seen, and are valued members of the Mampong Municipality.
Various Items that were disbursed at the programme
The Municipal Chief Executive urged all beneficiaries to utilize the items and funds responsibly. He encouraged them to view the support as an opportunity to expand their ventures, maintain proper records, reinvest profits and grow their trades. He emphasized that they were not merely beneficiaries but entrepreneurs and job creators whose resilience and diligence would serve as an example to the wider community, with the Assembly committed to monitoring progress in partnership not as oversight.
Some beneficiaries receiving their items and funds
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to responsible management of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund allocation for PWDs, transparent and needs-based selection of beneficiaries and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods through skills training, business development services, and startup capital and market linkages. It also pledged to enforce accessibility and inclusion by ensuring disability-friendly designs in markets, offices, schools and public spaces while rejecting stigma and discrimination in favor of equal opportunity and respect.
PWD Rep speaking at the programme
He further highlighted the Government’s RESET Agenda under which His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama launched Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities on 25th October 2025 absorbing tuition fees for PWDs admitted to accredited public tertiary institutions in Ghana. This underscores the Government’s sustained commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons.
In his concluding remarks, he congratulated all beneficiaries and expressed hope that the items would provide comfort, independence, and expanded opportunities while fulfilling their intended purpose of yielding long-lasting results.
Group picture with MCE, Staff and PWDs
The event was attended by dignitaries including Hon. Yakubu Issifu (Municipal Chief Executive of Mampong Municipal Assembly accompanied by officials from the Assembly), mad. Esther Baching (Municipal Coordinating Director), Mr. Isaac Opoku (Municipal Information Officer), other heads of department, leaders of Federation of Disabilities, cherished Persons with Disabilities party faithful, friends from the media and the general populace.
–Isaac Opoku, MMA Information Officer (ISD)