The Municipal Chief Executive for Kwadaso, Eric Assibey, has urged persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly school-age individuals, to make full use of the government’s initiative providing free education.
Speaking during the distribution of essential supplies and financial support to fifty PWDs in the municipality, he explained that the government covers critical educational expenses for PWDs at all levels—from nursery to tertiary education.
Assibey highlighted that, following the implementation of Free Senior High School, tertiary education remained a major financial burden. Under President John Mahama’s no-fee policy, managed by the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), tuition and fees for students with disabilities pursuing tertiary education are now fully covered.
“The government has abolished fees for persons with disabilities in universities, making education free from nursery to university level. I encourage all interested PWDs to seize this opportunity and strive to become notable contributors to the country,” he said.
He also urged parents not to deny children with disabilities the chance to learn, emphasizing that every individual has a unique purpose.
The MCE commended the NDC government and President Mahama for increasing financial support for PWDs and ensuring funds are disbursed on time to improve beneficiaries’ living conditions.
During the event, items including chest freezers, deep freezers, sewing machines, charcoal, phone accessories, second-hand clothes, provisions, and other tools were distributed to promote economic empowerment and social inclusion. Cheques were also issued to support medical, educational, and business needs, as well as the operations of PWD organizations.
Joyce Owusu, Municipal Director of the Department of Social Protection and Community Development, encouraged beneficiaries to use the equipment and start-up funds responsibly, warning that legal action would be taken against anyone found selling the items.
“We aim to help them achieve self-sufficiency and avoid begging on the streets. Misuse of provided equipment will not be tolerated,” she said.
John Nicholas Mensah, President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations in Kwadaso, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries and called on both government and private sector employers to consider PWDs during recruitment, noting their skills and capabilities.
