The Bolgatanga East District Assembly in the Upper East Region has supported Persons living with disability with an amount of GHS111,648 from the assembly’s common fund to engage in small and medium scale businesses.
Some were also supported with tricycles to aid their movement whilst others were given ruminants to rear.
Speaking at a short disbursement ceremony in Zuarungu, Bolga East District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Aboole said, the disbursement of the disability fund was timely.
“We have given GHS98,140 to those who want to set up businesses. Five needed tricycles to enable them to move which amounted to GHS3,862. We also renewed health insurance of 56 persons with disability at GHS1,238, School fees have come up to GHS5,063, then screening and vaccination of hepatitis B at GHS945.00 and GHS2,400 was used to purchase goats and sheep for those who want to rear for a living”.
He appealed to the beneficiaries to use the money for its intended purpose to cater for their families and assured that the assembly shall monitor their progress and provide technical assistance when necessary.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the assembly for the support and pledged to make the best from the support to fend for themselves and their families.
They, however, appealed for increases in the distribution of financial resources to enable them to expand their businesses.
Mr. Aboole also presented hand washing equipment, hand sanitizers, paper towels, waste bins, reflective jackets to health facilities at the Zuarungu market and other state institutions to fight COVID-19.
“We have also put together an amount of GHS11,000 for the Bolga East health directorate to purchase surgical gloves, face mask and a few other things that can give them protection to fight COVID-19. And out of the amount, the assembly has given out GHS6,000 and the Member of Parliament for Bolga East Dr. Dominic Ayine gave GHS5,000 to support the course”.
Mr. Aboole admonished residents in the district to strictly adhere to the preventive measures of social distancing and regular hand washing under running water or use sanitizers to prevent the spread of the virus.
Bolga East District director of health, Mr.Osei Eugene commended the assembly and the MP for their support towards the fight against COVID-19, adding that, the items complement the gaps within the system and assured that, the items will be put to good use.
“We used the GHS11,000 to procure face mask and gloves for staff so that, they can use them on a daily basis to protect themselves. And as you listen to the frontline staff, the main problem they have is the inadequate PPE to protect themselves so, we are grateful for that. This money will help us close that gap.”