The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Talensi, John Millim Nabwomya, has handed over 102 sheep to members of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region as part of efforts to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) through sustainable livelihood projects. Out of the 51 beneficiaries, each received two female sheep. Speaking during the handing-over ceremony, the DCE stressed that the initiative is aimed at providing income-generating opportunities for PWDs. “What you have just witnessed here is a handover of livestock to people living with disabilities of whatever kind, for them to also improve upon their livelihood. These animals are meant for them to rear. That’s why they keep on increasing. That’s how they can also help themselves.” Mr. Nabwomya explained that the 102 sheep have already been distributed with the guidance of leaders of the disability group to ensure fair allocation. “It depends on the number. This has already been shared among them. They have a leader, so before the sharing, the leader comes through with them on how it will be distributed. Someone can get one, and by the next two years, the person can have up to three or four. Somebody can also get two. It depends on how they and their leaders can distribute them.” He further emphasized the Assembly’s role in supporting PWDs to achieve self-reliance. “We are supposed to facilitate and help them get whatever they are supposed to acquire, and that’s what we have just done.” The gesture, which falls under the Disability Common Fund, is part of an ongoing effort to reduce dependency among PWDs in Talensi and provide them with practical tools to improve their living conditions. Meanwhile, the President of the Federation in the district, Clement Sampana, explained that the support is tailored to meet the needs of individual members, ranging from livestock for rearing to equipment for small-scale businesses. “We have pumping machines, we have sewing machines. And then other matters,” Mr. Sampana said. “Today we are giving out animals. Those who applied for animals to be reared in their houses as an income-generating activity are the ones benefiting today.” He clarified that the initiative is not a loan scheme but a grant to support the livelihoods of PWDs. “The disability fund is for persons living with disability. So it is a grant. They are not going to pay back. It’s to empower them to generate small, small incomes for their upkeep.” To ensure accountability, Mr. Sampana noted that beneficiaries are properly sensitized before receiving items, while monitoring mechanisms are in place. “Before the disbursement, these persons are engaged and properly sensitized. The committee also has a monitoring mechanism. By December, all the beneficiaries will be visited to find out how the support has been doing for them.” He added that outstanding beneficiaries stand a chance of receiving additional support in the future. “Those of them that can do good, we told them we’ll be supporting them again. That is an encouragement for them to put the support into good use.” According to Mr. Sampana, 51 beneficiaries applied for livestock, while three will receive fridges, another three sewing machines, two water pumping machines, and seven will benefit from trade-related support. The disbursement, which is expected to continue in the coming days, is seen as a crucial step toward reducing dependency among PWDs in the district and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Badembanoya Lockre beamed with joy as he received his share of two sheep from a well-wisher’s initiative. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he thanked the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the leadership of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) for their continuous support. Speaking on behalf of his fellow beneficiaries, Lockre promised that they would take good care of the livestock, ensuring the initiative’s success. The gesture has brought hope and excitement to the beneficiaries, who are eager to improve their livelihoods through this support. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
