Former Upper West GFD Secretary Calls for Skills Training to Enhance Disability Fund Impact

Mr. Seidu Kamwininaan Ibrahim

Mr. Seidu Kamwininaan Ibrahim, the immediate past Upper West Regional Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), has urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to prioritize skills training for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) before disbursing Disability Common Fund support to businesses.

Speaking on Info Radio’s Info Weekend Watch, Mr. Ibrahim emphasized that equipping beneficiaries with relevant business and financial management skills is essential for maximizing the fund’s impact and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their enterprises. He called on the Assemblies to collaborate with the GFD to organize targeted training programs for beneficiaries.

Mr. Ibrahim, who is vying to become the next Regional Chairman of the GFD, also raised concerns about the effectiveness of some PWD representatives on District Disability Common Fund Committees. He alleged that certain appointments are politically motivated and made without adequate consultation with the GFD, which limits the representatives’ capacity to advise Assemblies effectively on fund management and disbursement.

Further, he expressed worry over reports of misuse of the Disability Common Fund by some Assemblies and beneficiaries, including allegations that funds have been diverted for purposes other than intended. Mr. Ibrahim believes that enhanced training, monitoring, and supervision are critical to addressing these challenges and ensuring the fund fulfills its goal of improving the livelihoods and economic independence of Persons with Disabilities.