David Aniah
Concerns over misapplication of monies from the Disability Fund (DF) by some Assemblies seem to be diminishing, but leaders of disability organizations in some districts in the Upper East Region are worried about the abuse and diversion of the money released to some persons with disabilities.
The Upper East Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organization, David Aniah, has confirmed their worries, saying the situation at stake is defeating the purpose of the DF, which was to empower beneficiaries economically, hence his call for such persons to be punished to deter others from doing same.
Therefore, he has called on the various Disability Fund Management Committees (DFMCs) across the region to intensify their field monitoring roles to inspect works of beneficiaries to ensure that persons with disability whose applications are approved for a particular intervention really use the money for the approved purpose.
David Aniah was speaking at a sensitization workshop in Bolgatanga with Assembly Coordinating Directors and Finance Officers, as well as members of some DFMCs in the region over the management of the three per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund meant for persons with disability.
He urged the various district and municipal DFMCs to be firm and always investigate the background of applicants thoroughly, saying some persons with disabilities do deserve to be drawing money from the DF, as they are capable of supporting themselves.
The various district and municipal assemblies in the region have accepted payments through cheques, which a Deputy Finance Officer with the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, Moses Ayariga, said is a good medium since it helps in ensuring transparency and accountability in the release of the money.
The Fund Management Committee members and others were taken through ways of tracking their share of the District Assembly Common Fund so that they would be able to monitor how beneficiaries use the money given them from the fund.
From: Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Zuarungu