The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has presented working tools and financial assistance valued at ¢313,919.40 to 88 persons with disabilities, reaffirming the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s commitment to inclusion and economic empowerment.

The support package comprised ¢197,119.40 worth of equipment and ¢116,800 in working capital.

Beneficiaries included 50 males and 38 females drawn from various disability groups across the metropolis.

Items distributed covered a wide range of vocational and livelihood tools, including 38 Nasco 200-litre deep freezers, one showcase refrigerator, three fufu blending machines, five industrial sewing machines, one industrial knitting machine with ¢300 support, three gas popcorn machines with 6kg gas cylinders and ¢500 each, one 2000W high-pressure washer, one electric wheelchair, one pair of hearing aids and one laptop.

In addition, 32 beneficiaries received GH¢3,000 each as start-up capital, while one individual received ¢3,000 in educational support.

The beneficiaries comprised 46 physically challenged persons, 11 visually impaired persons, 10 hearing impaired persons, six persons with cerebral palsy, four with Down syndrome, two with epilepsy, two mentally challenged persons, two with multiple disabilities, three intellectually challenged persons, one person with autism and one with a learning disability.

Addressing the gathering at the presentation ceremony on Friday ahead of Valentine’s Day, the Mayor stressed that disability was not a matter of choice and that all individuals deserved equal opportunities.

He noted that physical or sensory challenges did not diminish a person’s worth or capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

Mr Allotey also shared a personal experience involving his bodyguard, Gideon Lamptey, popularly known as “Adodo,” who is hearing and speech impaired, saying the experience reinforced his belief that persons with disabilities only need understanding and the right support systems to excel.

The initiative forms part of the Assembly’s broader efforts to promote economic independence and social inclusion for vulnerable groups within the capital.