The beneficiaries include persons who are physically-challenged, deaf, visually impaired and others with intellectual disability within the metropolis. Mr Alfred Ekow Gyan, the Deputy Western Regional Minister, said Government would continue to implement policies and programmes that would inure to the benefit of all Ghanaians irrespective of one’s physical condition.

He urged them to use the funds profitably in order to enhance their economic wellbeing, saying “You can start petty business with this money; it could even be a table-top business that would enable you to be financially independent so that you don’t beg for alms on the streets”.

Mr John Laste, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Assembly, said the total of 44 PWDs were selected based on their emergency needs and business proposals.

He said the Disability Funds Management Committee vetted the applications of the applicants but gave preference to PWDs who were in urgent need for funds to seek medical attention as well as those with good business plans.

He said the Committee visited homes of the beneficiaries to ascertain their living conditions and would also monitor them occasionally to verify whether they were using the monies given them for the intended purpose.

Mr Anthony Essien, one of the beneficiaries, said he would use the money to establish a small phone shop to sell phone accessories and help cater for the education of his children.

Madam Rakiayatu Abubakar, another beneficiary, said she received GH¢700 and would use it to undertake petty trading so that she could finance her three children’s education and basic needs.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government for the support and pleaded with the Government to employ sign language interpreters at public health facilities so that they could express their concerns and needs efficiently when they require medical attention.