The Wa East District Assembly has disbursed a record-breaking sum of GH₵289,316.50 to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the district.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Assembly’s Conference Hall, saw 164 beneficiaries receiving a mix of specialized equipment, start-up tools, and direct financial support.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Wa East, Hon. Adamu Shaibu, alongside the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Alidu Abubakari, led the presentation of the items.
Speaking to Pulung News, Hon. Shaibu revealed that this disbursement represents the highest number of beneficiaries supported at a single time in the district’s history.
The funds, drawn from the PWD component of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), were meticulously allocated based on the specific needs of the recipients.
The assembly provided a total of 92 physical items and mobility aids, which included: 84 White Canes and 1 Wheelchair, 2 Electric Sewing Machines, 1 Vulcanizing Machine, and 1 Deep Freezer, 3 Laptops for educational and professional use.
In addition 72 persons received direct financial assistance categorized by their area of need: Education 16 beneficiaries, Business/Trade 25 beneficiaries (17 for general business, 8 for trade), Agriculture 9 beneficiaries (rearing/livestock), Health 11 beneficiaries, Income Generation 11 beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Adamu Shaibu urged the beneficiaries to adopt a “business-minded” approach. He emphasized that the support is intended to graduate them from dependency to self-sufficiency.
“Whatever support you have received today must be put to good use,” the DCE stated. “Our goal is for you to succeed and thrive so that you no longer need to apply to the Assembly for support every year. This will allow the fund to be extended to other PWDs who have not yet had the opportunity to benefit.”
He further warned that the Assembly has established a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the items and funds are used strictly for their intended purposes and not sold or diverted.
The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Alidu Abubakari, highlighted that the presence of the media was essential for accountability, noting that governance is most effective when it is transparent to the public.
Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the intervention. Many told Pulung News that the donation was “timely,” noting that the tools and capital would allow them to cater for their families and live with greater dignity and independence.
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to increase the allocation for persons with disabilities under the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) from 3 percent to 5 percent in 2026, a move aimed at boosting support and inclusion for people with disabilities nationwide.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed the plan during his 2026 Budget presentation to Parliament on Thursday, noting that part of the additional funds will be used to acquire and distribute rechargeable motorized wheelchairs through the Ghana Federation of the Disabled.
