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

Of the total amount, GH¢197,119.40 covered the cost of equipment distributed, while GH¢116,800 was allocated as working capital support to beneficiaries made up of 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 support; three gas popcorn machines with 6kg gas cylinders and GH¢500 support each; one 2000W high-pressure washer; one electric wheelchair; one pair of hearing aids; and one laptop.

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

The beneficiaries comprised 46 persons with physical disabilities, 11 visually impaired persons, 10 hearing-impaired persons, six persons with cerebral palsy, four with Down syndrome, two with epilepsy, two persons with mental health conditions, two persons with multiple disabilities, three persons with intellectual disabilities, one person with autism, and one person with a learning disability.

Addressing the gathering at the presentation ceremony held on Friday ahead of the Valentine’s Day celebration, the Mayor stated that disability is not a matter of choice and that all people are created equal. He added that physical or sensory challenges do 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.

He noted that working with him reinforced his belief that persons with disabilities only require understanding and the right support systems to perform effectively.

He announced plans to engage the Presiding Member of the AMA, Musah Ziyad, to work toward establishing a policy that would allow persons with disabilities to be employed in specific roles within the Assembly.

He expressed hope that the next General Assembly would formalise such a policy to guarantee equal opportunities.

He emphasised that inclusion is not charity but a responsibility, observing that anyone could acquire a disability at any time.

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

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