Bumper harvest for Sissala West PWD farmers as 45 more receive business capital
The Sissala West District Assembly’s strategic investment in Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) is yielding significant dividends, with the first batch of beneficiaries recording a bumper harvest in the 2025 farming season. This success was disclosed by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Abudu Fuseini Gbene, during the presentation of business capital and equipment to a third batch of 45 PWDs at Gwollu.
Hon. Gbene noted that 17 PWDs who constituted the first batch were provided with hybrid seeds, fertilizers, Chemicals and ploughing services. “We conducted rigorous monitoring and the results are heartening. Almost all those we supported to venture into agriculture have recorded a bumper harvest this year,” the DCE stated.
Building on this, the Assembly has now empowered 45 additional beneficiaries with tools tailored to their specific needs, including deep freezers, cartons of assorted drinks, provision store stocks, and livestock capital.
Speaking to the RADFORD FM, some beneficiaries shared moving testimonies of how the Assembly’s support is transforming their lives. Basin Sakina, an amputee from Desime and a student at the University of Education, Winneba (Ajumako Campus), revealed she is part of the pioneering group of students studying the Sissala language at the degree level. She noted that this was not her first time receiving aid from the Assembly, explaining that the support has been instrumental in paying her tuition and purchasing school provisions.”I am calling on my colleagues who are hiding due to their conditions to come out. Disability is not inability. Because I was bold and confident, today, if they mention those studying Sissali in the university, I will proudly lift my hand as one of them,” Ms. Sakina said.
Another beneficiary, a former cross-border trader, recounted a tragic turn of events that led to her loss of sight three years ago. The woman, who used to frequent markets across Sissala land and Burkina Faso, said she woke up blind one morning during a fasting period without ever experiencing eye pain.”Since I lost my sight, I can no longer do many things to earn an income. This support will go a long way to help me. I can now sell these items and use the profit to feed myself, buy drugs, and pay my child’s school fees,” she said, while offering prayers for the DCE and the Member of Parliament for their continued remembrance of the vulnerable.
The DCE emphasized that the current administration has abandoned the old practice of sharing small cash amounts, which he described as insufficient for business. He added that the Member of Parliament for Sissala West Hon. Mohammed Sukparu has expressed strong support for the program, describing it as a key component of the government’s “Reset Agenda” focusing on providing full start-up capital to ensure long-term sustainability in the district.
Mr. Aniah Joseph, the District Head of the Social Welfare Unit, advised the recipients to separate their business capital from personal spending and urged them to maintain high standards of hygiene to attract customers.
The 45 beneficiaries include those venture into cold stores, beverage retail, animal rearing, and those receiving medical support for artificial limbs.
By Bashiru Nuhu Bapagu