The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has presented GH¢2 million to one thousand (1,000) disabled men entrepreneurs, under the Presidential Empowerment for Male Entrepreneurs with Disability (PEMED).
Launching the event at Jubilee House, the seat of the nation’s presidency, on Friday, 24th July 2020, President Akufo-Addo stated that the funds would provide some relief, and also empower persons with disabilities to improve their economic circumstances.
“You, the beneficiaries, have already undergone training in areas such as financial management, business management, risks, marketing, and operations. It is expected that you will be guided by the structured training you have undergone, to enable you scale-up your businesses, and create job opportunities for people,” he said.
The President continued,
“Fifty percent (50%) percent of the financial support on offer today are grants, whilst the other fifty percent (50%) are interest free loans payable over two years. This is a demonstration of Government’s commitment to empower financially the one thousand (1,000) beneficiaries of this initiative, and help mainstream them into national economic activity.”
He stressed that the Ministry of Business Development, through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan, will continue to provide mentorship, training, and monitoring, to ensure the successful execution of the businesses of the 1,000 beneficiaries.
With the ceremony taking place against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, whose rapid spread has wrought devastation to all the economies of the world, President Akufo-Addo stressed that the pandemic notwithstanding, Government is determined to revive and reinvigorate the economy.
“But we will do so in safety. So, as you go about your business activities, remember to observe the enhanced hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing protocols to help us defeat the pandemic. I charge all of you to go out there, and make us proud,” he added
Source:presidency.gov.gh