Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Chief of Staff for the Republic of Ghana, has called on the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) to increase funding for entrepreneurs with disabilities under the PWDs Enterprise Support Programme. Speaking at the 2024 Grant Award Signing and Orientation ceremony, she emphasized the need for more resources to support persons with disabilities in becoming successful entrepreneurs.

The PWD Enterprise Support Programme, implemented by GEA under the World Bank-funded Ghana Economic Transformation Project, aims to enhance productivity and competitiveness among high-growth MSMEs. Hon. Osei Opare noted that the programme seeks to create more job opportunities and requires special skills and training for persons with disabilities.

She appealed to GEA CEO, Mrs. Kossi Yankey-Ayeh, to significantly increase funding for beneficiaries of the nationwide grant programme, targeting MSMEs with growth potential. Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh reported that GEA’s interventions have created over 3,195 jobs across 311 supported firms, demonstrating a positive impact on job creation and economic growth.

The Grant Programmes target various sectors, including persons with disabilities. The government remains committed to supporting MSMEs’ growth and development, aiming to transform them into large enterprises that contribute significantly to job creation and economic prosperity.

The ceremony saw the disbursement of Ghs 15,213,513.62 to over 400 beneficiaries, including entrepreneurs with disabilities. Hon. Osei Opare’s call for increased funding underscores the government’s commitment to empowering vulnerable groups and promoting inclusivity in entrepreneurship.