Disabled Persons Receive 2% District Assembly Common Fund in Shama District.
Under the decentralised governance system practiced in Ghana, there are specific allocations to various categories of persons to support their empowerment. All district assemblies receive funds from central government namely the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) which in addition to internally generated funds are utilised for development projects for communities within the district. 2% of the DACF from central government is to support activities of persons with Disability. This funding allocation underpins the realisation of the rights of that is enshrined in the 1992 Constitution; and furthers actualisation of the Disability Act, 2006 Act 715. The actual amount of the 2% allocation depends on the size of the district and the total amount that goes to the district from the DACF every year.
Disability rights continue to be one of the pillars of UK assistance. Knowledge and confidence that PWDs in the Shama District have gained has provided the space and opportunity for them to access the 2% allocation of the DACF. This will ensure that PWDs receive the necessary education and skills training that will facilitate efforts at poverty reduction. Since the introduction of the DACF and the 2% allocation for PWDs, those in the Shama District had only heard of this entitlement but did not have the wherewithal to access the Fund. They did not know what their rights are, who to consult within the District Assembly, or how to consult with the Assembly. Many of these PWDs begged for alms alongside major roads, could not engage in small-scale entrepreneurship or further their education. Those who have some skills could not establish their own small-scale enterprises that could earn them an income which ultimately will take them out of poverty.
In September 2011, the Shame District Assembly began disbursing the 2% of the DACF to the Shama Persons with Disability Association for skills training, small scale-businesses and education. Sensitisation seminars organised on the Disability Act and entitlements under the DACF by WiLDAF Ghana has not only given them knowledge but also emboldened them to engage with the District Assembly to ensure they get what is due them. "We (PWD Association) met with the new District Chief Executive to discuss the Fund allocation. Following that there was a meeting between the Department of Social Welfare Officer and the Disability Fund Management Committee on 22nd September 20011 to discuss the disbursement. There was also a meeting between the PWD Association, Coalition of Women in Governance and the District Assembly where there was agreement that all buildings constructed by the District Assembly will have access for PWDs.
There is currently the construction of a nursery block for one of the schools in the district. We approached the contractor to include a ramp for PWDs. The contractor had not thought about this in his building plans. He presented the proposal to the District Assembly which accepted the proposal. Now the classroom block has a ramp". Edward Barb Ababio The confidence gained has enabled them to take steps towards addressing other social issues in their communities."There was too much rubbish in my community. I told the district assembly member in my area about the rubbish. The assembly member mobilised people to remove the rubbish". Janet Adams PWDs in the District who now know of their rights are keen to support others to benefit from the 2% facility. "I was traveling to Takoradi. At the bus station I saw a PWD asking for money from a bus driver. I went to the driver and told him not to give the PWD any money. I told the PWD to join the association so that she can benefit from the 2% DACF".
James Dadson, Shama A blind assembly man, Mr. James Ateeku through his engagement with the WiLDAF Coalition of Women in Governance, has established youth and women's associations in his electoral area Bwomoh so that the people in his community can take advantage of the education services that the COWIG provides in the district. Through the We Know Politics Project, over 500 Persons with Disability in the Shama, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem, Kpandu and Jomoro Districts are included in governance at the district level. Working with the Ghana National Federation of Disabled Persons as a key collaborator under the Project ensures that thousands of PWDs gain knowledge on their rights and entitlements under the Disability Act. UKAid through Womankind Worldwide UK are working with WiLDAF Ghana to implement the We Know Politics Project that ensures the voices of marginalised groups are heard loudly in the corridors of decision makers.