General News of Saturday, 30 August 2003

Source: GNA

Disabled appeal for funds

Accra, Aug. 30, GNA- The Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) has appealed to corporate bodies and the public to contribute to the Educational Fund launched recently by the association to enable its members to contribute meaningfully to the country's economy.

Mr Alexander Tetteh, National Administrator of the GSPD who made the appeal in Accra on Saturday, said the one billion cedis Fund will cushion the educational requirements of members through scholarships and bursaries and empower beneficiaries to join the productive segment of the national population.

He said many people with physical disabilities have the capability to excel in academic work, but are denied the opportunity due to lack of funds and their inability to do strenuous jobs for a living.

"It is our hope that when the fund becomes a operational, it will help our members and their children to access education at all levels and prepare them to reduce poverty and create opportunities for other Ghanaians", he said.

Mr Tetteh said the Fund will be managed by an administrative committee that will ensure that it is expended judiciously. The Administrator said while they are waiting for donations, the GSPD on its part, undertake some nationwide concert activities to generate funds.

He advised would be contributors to channel their donations through Account Number 0100113302000 at Standard Chartered Bank, Liberia Road, Accra.

He assured people with disabilities that the GSPD is alive to their needs and will not give up until poverty, ignorance and discrimination are removed from their lives.

Mr Christopher Kisseih, National President of the GSPD, on behalf of the association, on August 7, launched a one billion cedis Educational Fund at Ada in the Greater Accra Region.