Kumasi, Sept. 26, GNA - Ten physically-challenged persons who have gone through skill training have received start-up tools and equipment valued at GH¢5,000.

The beneficiaries, all from the Ashanti Region were, in addition to the sewing machines, hand and hair driers, sterilizers, sprayers and pressing irons, given between GH¢10.00 and GH¢30.00 to enable them start their own businesses.

The donation was financed by the Ghana National Trust Fund set up some 50 years ago by late President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Miss Joyce Frimpong, Executive Secretary of the Fund, said the Fund had been assisting 18 registered organizations and individuals. These include Help Age, Societies for the Blind and Deaf, Young Men/Women Christian associations, people suffering from leprosy and the Kumasi Cheshire Home.

Miss Frimpong said an Education Fund covering school fees and medical bills had also been set up for brilliant disabled students from the Junior High School to the tertiary level. Some were also supported with hearing aids, wheel chairs or even legal and social services. Dr. Samuel Boahen Obeng, Regional Fund Committee Chairman, said the beneficiaries were selected by the Department of Social Welfare, the Jamasi School for the Deaf, Jachie Training Centre and the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He appealed to schools, organizations, individuals and philanthropists to continue to support the fund. Mr. Akwasi Kwarteng, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the donors for recognizing those with disabilities in the society who were ignored in the past.