33 Persons with Disabilities in Akatsi South Receive Livelihood Equipment and Assistive Devices to Boost Economic Independence
Thirty-three persons with disabilities in the Akatssi South Municipal Assembly have been empowered with livelihood equipment and assistive devices to start or expand small businesses, in a targeted intervention aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic inclusion.
The items were presented by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Daniel Dagba, under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation specifically reserved for persons with disabilities (PWDs). In line with policy guidelines, the support was provided exclusively in-kind—no cash was disbursed—to ensure the resources are used productively.
The distributed equipment was carefully selected to match each beneficiary’s skills, proposed business ideas, and specific needs. Among the items handed over were:
Deep freezers and refrigerators (for food preservation and trading)
Mobile cassava milling machines (for agro-processing)
Sewing machines (for tailoring and dressmaking)
Plastic chairs (for small-scale event or rental businesses)
A laptop, printer, and desktop computer (for digital services or administrative work)
A motorised tricycle (for mobility and commercial transport)
Beneficiaries were drawn from various communities across the municipality, including Akatsi, Avenorpeme, Avenorpedo, Avadare, Bayive, Gefia Kpota, Tuime, Atidzive, Safotsi-Dagbakofe, Kpokplui, Wlitey Sakpakukope, and Akatsi Zongo.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Hon. Dagba emphasised the initiative’s core objective: equipping PWDs with practical tools to generate sustainable income, live with dignity, and contribute to their households and communities.
“The goal is to give persons with disabilities the practical means to work, earn income, and live independently,” he said. He sternly advised recipients against selling the items, stressing that the equipment is meant for long-term livelihood support. “I will personally follow up to ensure these tools are used for their intended purposes and that the impact is felt,” he added.
Officials from the Department of Social Welfare explained that the distribution followed a thorough needs assessment process. Each beneficiary was consulted to identify suitable equipment aligned with their abilities, interests, and proposed ventures—ensuring relevance and higher chances of success.
Several recipients described the support as transformative and timely. Many expressed renewed confidence, noting that the tools would significantly strengthen their ability to provide for themselves and their families. They thanked the Municipal Chief Executive, the Assembly, and the government for prioritising inclusive development and extending meaningful assistance to persons with disabilities at the grassroots level.
The beneficiaries collectively pledged to use the equipment responsibly and work diligently toward becoming self-reliant. The ceremony underscored ongoing efforts by local authorities to implement inclusive policies under the Free SHS, DACF-PWD, and broader social protection frameworks, with a focus on economic empowerment for vulnerable groups.
