President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government plans to import rechargeable electric wheelchairs for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The announcement was made during his Citizens’ Engagement in Goaso at the end of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Ahafo Region. The pilot project aims to facilitate the movement of PWDs, and when the electric wheelchairs are imported, they will be handed over to the National Council on Disability.
The President reiterated that the pilot project will be replicated annually if it is successfully executed. He also mentioned that his administration has increased the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to five per cent for PWDs, up from three per cent. This move is part of efforts to enhance the living conditions of PWDs.
President Mahama also mentioned that the Persons With Disability Act, 2006, which seeks to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, will be amended. The amendment is part of efforts to enhance the living conditions of PWDs. The President made these announcements during his tour of the Ahafo Region.
In addition to the plans for PWDs, President Mahama discussed the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme. The programme aims to provide free healthcare for the people of Ghana. He also mentioned that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as MahamaCares, was established to reduce the disease burden of high-cost medical treatments, such as cancers and dialysis.
The President's tour of the Ahafo Region included engagements with citizens in Goaso, where he discussed various development initiatives. The tour was a two-day event that concluded with the announcement of the plans for PWDs. The President's administration has been working on various initiatives to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
The importation of electric wheelchairs is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of PWDs in Ghana. The National Council on Disability will be responsible for distributing the wheelchairs to PWDs. The President's announcement has been well-received by PWDs and advocacy groups.
Key initiatives announced by President Mahama include the importation of electric wheelchairs, increased allocation of DACF, and amendment of the Persons With Disability Act. These initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to improving the lives of PWDs. The President's administration will continue to work on various development initiatives to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
Key points
- The government plans to import rechargeable electric wheelchairs for PWDs as part of efforts to enhance their mobility and living conditions.
- The Persons With Disability Act, 2006, will be amended to promote and protect the rights of PWDs.
- The President's administration has increased the allocation of DACF to five per cent for PWDs, up from three per cent.
