he flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has appointed Joshua Makubu as campaign coordinator for persons with disabilities and special needs.
Dennis Miralcles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the Bawumia 2024 campaign, said in a statement dated March 11 that the move is part of Dr. Bawumia’s promises to “build an all-inclusive Ghana.”
Joshua Makubu, who was removed from office as the Oti Regional Minister by President Akufo-Addo in a ministerial reshuffle, has been tasked with the responsibility to “lead the charge in mobilising and rallying all Ghanaians with special needs” to support the vision of Dr. Bawumia.
Over GHC330M disbursed to PWDs
Meanwhile, the statement has revealed that GHC3331,185,775.86 has been disbursed to persons with disabilities since 2017.
Miracles Aboagye noted that the amount covered all 261 MMDAs [Municipal, Metropolitan and District Assemblies], adding, “of which 59,040 persons have been supported.”
He added: “A photo album of Persons with Disability which captures their bio-data, form of disability, as well as the kind of support needed, has been done in all 261 MMDAs. This has led to efficient and effective disbursement of these funds to meet specific needs and ensure high accountability of the utilisation of the support.”
The statement further indicated that 52,995 Persons with Disability have been supported with start-up capital amounting to about GHC246,466,603.
Furthermore, 6,045 Persons with Disability, according to Miracles Aboagye, have also been supported with start-up tools and kits such as sewing machines and hairdryers, ovens, shoe making, fridges, and container shops.
The statement added that the support given to Persons with Disability has been “decentralised and provided through the District Assemblies PWD fund.”
“This government has made the biggest investment in providing economic support to Persons with Disability than any other government in the 4th Republic and this must be consolidated and enhanced,” it added.
It added that through the advocacy of Dr Bawumia, the percentage allocation for persons with disability under the DACF [District Assembly Common Fund] has been increased from two percent to three percent.
