PWDs are electorate with rights, now not items of sympathy – Tano South MCE – Life Pulse Daily

**PWDs are Electorate with Rights, Not Items of Sympathy – Tano South MCE**

**BEHEM, AHAFO REGION** – In a powerful address challenging deep-seated societal prejudices, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tano South, Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, has issued a clarion call for the fundamental redefinition of Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) within the Ghanaian social and political landscape. Speaking at a significant event in Bechem, the capital of the Ahafo Region, Mr. Frimpong emphatically stated that PWDs must no longer be viewed through the lens of pity or charity but recognized and respected as full citizens, electorate with inalienable rights, and individuals endowed with diverse skills, talents, and aspirations.

The event, held on Wednesday, was organized by the Tano South Municipal Assembly to distribute economic empowerment tools and financial support to PWDs within the municipality. However, the MCE’s message transcended the material nature of the intervention, touching on the core philosophical and constitutional imperatives of inclusion, equity, and human dignity.

The Shift from Sympathy to Rights

For generations, the narrative surrounding disability in many parts of the world, including Ghana, has been one of tragedy, helplessness, and dependence. PWDs are often relegated to the margins of society, their contributions minimized, and their potential untapped. This perspective, while sometimes well-intentioned, fosters a culture of dependency and strips individuals of their agency.

Mr. Kwame Frimpong’s declaration, “PWDs are electorate with rights, now not items of sympathy,” represents a fundamental paradigm shift. It moves the conversation from one of benevolent paternalism to one of legal and moral obligation. It asserts that the existence of PWDs is not a problem to be solved or a burden to be carried, but a reality to be embraced and supported.

He highlighted that for far too long, individuals with disabilities have faced systemic barriers that severely limit their access to quality education, dignified employment, adequate healthcare, and meaningful economic opportunities. Crucially, he pointed out that these challenges are not inherent to disability itself but are direct consequences of society’s failure to build the necessary support systems and create an enabling environment.

This perspective aligns with the social model of disability, which posits that disability is caused by the way society is organized, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. Barriers like inaccessible buildings, discriminatory policies, and negative attitudes are what “disable” people. By framing the issue this way, the MCE placed the responsibility for change squarely on the shoulders of the state and the broader community.

Constitutional Mandate and Legal Framework

The MCE’s speech was not merely a social commentary; it was a grounding of the Assembly’s actions in the supreme law of the land. He reminded the gathering that the Tano South Municipal Assembly, like all local government bodies in Ghana, operates under the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715), and the principles of social justice and equity.

The 1992 Constitution of Ghana is particularly progressive in its provisions for vulnerable groups. Article 12(1) explicitly guarantees the right to dignity, while Article 28 provides special provisions for persons with disabilities. It mandates the state to create opportunities for PWDs to develop their skills and participate fully in national life. The Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715), further domesticates these constitutional provisions, providing specific rights regarding accessibility, education, employment, and participation in public life.

By referencing these legal instruments, Mr. Frimpong underscored that the support being provided is not an act of charity or political patronage but a fulfillment of a legal duty. Inclusion, therefore, is an obligation mandated by law, not an option left to discretion. This legal grounding strengthens the argument that PWDs are demanding what is rightfully theirs, not asking for favors.

Economic Empowerment as a Tool for Independence

The tangible manifestation of this philosophy was the distribution of economic tools and financial support to 72 PWDs. The initiative is designed to move beneficiaries from a position of reliance to one of self-sufficiency and economic independence.

The items distributed were practical and tailored to the specific needs and business interests of the beneficiaries. They included:
* **Refrigerators:** For those engaged in cold chain businesses like food and beverage sales.
* **Fufu Pounding Machines:** A labor-saving device for those in the food vending industry, a common occupation for many.
* **Stitching and Knitting Machines:** For beneficiaries in fashion and tailoring.
* **Spraying Machines and Commercial Machines:** For those in automotive repair and related trades.
* **Motorbikes:** For logistics, dispatch, or commercial riding.
* **Container Kiosks:** Providing a physical space for retail businesses.

In addition to these tools, the Assembly provided direct financial assistance. Under the Financial Assistance module, 18 PWDs who were already engaged in various businesses received a total of Fifty-Six Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢56,000.00). This capital injection is critical for scaling up operations, purchasing bulk inventory, or acquiring essential equipment that would otherwise be out of reach.

Furthermore, the Assembly demonstrated a holistic approach to empowerment by also providing educational support to seven PWDs and medical assistance to three others. This multi-faceted strategy acknowledges that economic empowerment is interconnected with health and education.

The Importance of Trust and Sustainability

The MCE’s address was not just about providing support but also about ensuring its sustainability. He issued a stern but necessary caution to the beneficiaries, urging them to use the items and funds strictly for their intended purposes.

“The items and funds are given to you in trust and confidence to help you improve your livelihoods and build sustainable businesses. I urge you to use them strictly for the purpose for which they have been given,” he cautioned.

This warning is crucial. In many communities, the mismanagement of such interventions—selling the items for quick cash—has undermined the very purpose of empowerment programs. The MCE’s message was clear: this is an investment in your future, not a handout to be squandered. This places a burden of responsibility on the beneficiaries to prove that they are worthy of the trust placed in them, which in turn justifies future interventions and increased funding.

The Numbers Behind the Intervention

Providing a statistical context for the intervention, the Tano South Municipal Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Gladys Zuuri, revealed that 95 PWDs in the municipality had previously undergone vocational skills training. This brings the total number of beneficiaries for the year 2025 to 167, a significant number for a single municipality.

Her disclosure that “restricted sources imply many PWDs are nonetheless on standby to get pleasure from the Disability Fund” sheds light on the immense need that still exists. It highlights the challenge of demand outstripping supply, a common issue with social intervention funds. The fact that many are still waiting underscores the importance of the support being provided and the need for continued and expanded funding. She rightly noted that how beneficiaries utilize the support will influence future interventions, making this a test case for the efficacy of the program.

Political Will and Oversight

The Member of Parliament for the Tano South Constituency, Charles Asiedu, added his voice, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the socio-economic wellbeing of vulnerable groups. His presence and statements signaled the importance of political will in driving such initiatives.

Mr. Asiedu’s contribution was particularly strong on accountability. He also cautioned beneficiaries against selling the apparatus or misusing the funds, warning that such actions would defeat the purpose of the intervention. More significantly, he announced that he would conduct routine, unannounced follow-ups on the beneficiaries’ businesses. He warned that those found to have sold their equipment would be reprimanded.

This commitment to oversight is vital. It ensures transparency and accountability, deterring malfeasance and ensuring that the resources reach their intended targets. It also sends a message that the government is serious about monitoring the impact of its investments, moving beyond mere distribution to ensuring tangible outcomes.

Broader Implications for Society and Development

The event in Bechem is more than a local news story; it is a microcosm of the larger struggle for the rights and inclusion of PWDs in Ghana and across Africa. The MCE’s statement challenges every sector of society—government, private sector, civil society, and individuals—to re-evaluate their perceptions and actions.

* **For the Private Sector:** It is a call to create accessible workplaces, offer reasonable accommodations, and recognize that PWDs are a pool of untapped talent that can contribute significantly to economic growth.
* **For Civil Society Organizations:** It reinforces the need to advocate not for charity, but for rights-based approaches that empower PWDs to lead their own advocacy.
* **For Individuals:** It is a challenge to dismantle negative stereotypes and prejudices in daily interactions, fostering a culture of respect and dignity.

From a development perspective, the empowerment of PWDs is not just a social issue but an economic imperative. Excluding nearly 15% of the population (the estimated global average for disability prevalence) from the workforce and economic activity results in a massive loss of potential GDP. By enabling PWDs to start and grow businesses, the state is not only promoting social justice but also stimulating local economies, creating jobs (even for non-PWDs), and fostering resilient communities.

Conclusion

The Tano South MCE’s powerful message, “PWDs are electorate with rights, now not items of sympathy,” is a rallying cry for a new era of inclusion. It is a demand for a society where disability is not a barrier to participation and where every citizen, regardless of their physical or mental condition, is afforded the dignity, respect, and opportunities to achieve their full potential.

The distribution of tools and funds in Bechem is a concrete step in this direction. It is an investment in human capital, a vote of confidence in the abilities of PWDs, and a testament to what is possible when policy is translated into action. While the challenges remain significant, initiatives like this light the path forward, demonstrating that with political will, legal enforcement, and societal attitudinal change, a truly inclusive and equitable Ghana is within reach. The journey from being objects of sympathy to being recognized as equal partners in development has begun, and it is a journey that benefits not just PWDs, but the entire nation.