Government, through the Ministry of Business Development has provided financial support to the tune of GH¢61,000.00 to 50 women with disability to help them set up businesses.
So far, 600 disabled women entrepreneurs across the country have received financial support and training since the beginning of April this year, to a tune of GH¢550, 000.00
The move forms part of efforts by government to ensure financial inclusion among the populace.
Beneficiaries are expected to pay back in instalments, monies received without interest, over a period of time, depending on the amount, after business is established.
At a short ceremony to present the monies to the beneficiaries, the sector Minister, Mr Mohammed Awal indicated that government would continue to offer support to persons with disability because the country cannot grow if such persons are neglected.
He revealed that disabled men entrepreneurs would also be granted the same opportunity next year.
“We believe that without financial inclusion, Ghana cannot grow that is why we are ensuring nobody is left out. We will give the opportunity to every Ghanaian to reduce unemployment among the populace,” he added.
The Minister assured that all persons with disability would continue to be empowered to enable them live meaningful and fulfilling lives to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
According to Mr Awal, empowering people economically goes a long in alleviating poverty and adding value to lives.
He therefore advised the beneficiaries to manage the monies properly so that they could benefit from the initiative in future, adding that the businesses of the beneficiaries would be closely monitored to ensure the monies are being used for the intended purpose.
In an interview with the Ghanaian Times after the programme, one of the beneficiaries, Madam Enyonam Doe expressed gratitude to government for the initiative and promised to use the money profitably.
Fatima Ziblin, another beneficiary said “I am very happy today because i have been given the opportunity to set up my own business. I will make sure I put this money to good use. It will really improve my life and that of my family.”
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
