Government Urged To Increase Current Disability Fund

Government has been asked to consider increasing the current disability fund from two to five percent since the current allocation is inadequate to meet the needs of persons with all forms of disabilities. This way, persons with mental illness who have recovered from their conditions will have the opportunity to benefit from the fund. In an interview with GBC's Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga, the Programmes Coordinator, Presbyterian Community Based Rehabilitation Project, Maxwell Akansas, said the District Assembly Common Fund is of immense help to persons with disability. Mr. Akansas explained that funds given to beneficiaries are sometimes under utilised though they are supposed to ensure the proper use of the fund through investment activities capable of improving their livelihood. Moreover, beneficiaries are not thoroughly educated by the Assembly as to how the funds should be utilised. Also contrary to Article 42 of PWDs 2006, which mandates the various Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), disbursement of the allocated percentage is properly not disbursed with elements of impersonation distracting the course of disbursement. The funds, he indicated was created to help empower PWDs through income generating activities including the acquisition of all necessary tools and equipments needed to enhance their respective jobs. Mr. Akansas advised beneficiaries to use the fund to venture into long term business activities that can sustain their livelihood and not otherwise. Whilst commending government for increasing the disability component of the common fund from two to three percent in the 2012 national budget, Mr. Akansas appealed to government to consider increasing the present percentage to enable beneficiaries maximize the full benefit to improve their lives. Mr. Akansas equally appealed to the international community, particularly the WHO to help provide financial support for activities on mental health embarked upon by NGOs and agencies working in that regard.