Abstract:
The 3% District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF) for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), also referred as the Disability Fund was introduced to minimize poverty among all PWDs particularly, those outside the formal sector of employment, and enhance their social image through dignified labour. A Disability Fund Management Committee (DFMC) in every Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) is charged with the vetting and approval of received applications; monitoring and supervising utilization of the fund; sensitizing all relevant stakeholders at the district level and reporting on the fund. This study investigated needs presented by PWDs to DFMCs for funding and factors which guide the selection of beneficiaries, specifically in Shai Osudoku district, La Dade-kotopon municipality and Tema metropolis between 2018 and 2020. The study’s objectives were achieved through the analysis of secondary data on applicants’ forms and Key Informant Interviews (KII) of selected DFMCs. Based on years for which data was available, the study’s findings indicate that the prominent need presented by PWDs was assistance for Income Generating Activities (IGA) followed by requests for medical assistance and educational/apprenticeship support. The study also showed that none of the participating MMDAs was able to meet the needs of all PWD applicants which necessitates the selection of fund beneficiaries using the following factors; most vulnerable applicant, first time beneficiaries and completeness of applications. The DFMCs indicated the allocation of meagre funds among numerous applicants and the delayed disbursement of the fund from central government as challenges with the selection of beneficiaries. Among others, recommendations are made for Central Government to ensure timely disbursement of the fund to MMDAs; the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) to advocate increased percentage of the DACF allocation for the fund and adopt measures for appropriate data management especially on fund applicants.
