Ghana Town Gives 45 Disabled People $60K to Start Over

Mahama Yakubu never had money to give his wife for market shopping. Now, thanks to a water tricycle tanker from his local government, he's earning weekly income for the first time in his life.

He's one of 45 people with disabilities in Sissala East, Ghana, who just received life-changing support from their municipal assembly. The government disbursed 280,000 Ghanaian cedis (roughly $60,000 USD) in cash, livestock, and business equipment to help disabled residents build sustainable livelihoods.

The recipients, 31 women and 14 men, received funds tailored to their specific needs. Some got cash for medical treatment or education. Others received 60 goats for livestock farming or 48 bags of fertilizer to start agricultural ventures.

Mahama, a shoemaker by trade, received his water truck through a co-funding arrangement with the assembly. In Tumu town, where water scarcity is a daily struggle, he's now filling a critical need while earning dignified income. "Every week I can give her something small to go to the market," he said. "It has started giving me something good."

Municipal Chief Executive Yakubu Adamu said the initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring no one gets left behind. The funding comes from Ghana's District Assemblies' Common Fund, which recently increased its mandatory allocation for people with disabilities from 3% to 5%.

The assembly isn't just handing out money and hoping for the best. Municipal Coordinating Director Mohammed Zaidu Yakubu warned beneficiaries to use the support exactly as intended. "Make sure that the money is multiplied," he said. "If you applied for medical support, please go for your treatment."

The Ripple Effect

The disability community itself is enforcing accountability. Municipal President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, Kpunti Abdulai Haruna, said monitors actively supervise how recipients use their support. Anyone who misuses funds gets warned they won't receive future benefits.

Hannah Nuhu, Gender Desk Officer for people with disabilities, said the community feels consistently prioritized by the assembly. "We pray and we will hope and ensure that all these things that are given to us will be used well by our people," she said.

This latest disbursement follows 249,062 cedis distributed to 42 beneficiaries earlier this year, showing sustained commitment rather than a one-time publicity stunt. The assembly is now working to expand its reach to identify more disabled people in remote communities who need support.

For Mahama and the 44 others, the program represents something bigger than financial assistance. It's a recognition of their potential to contribute, earn, and thrive when given the right tools and a fair chance.