OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES OF THE DISABILITY FUND IN GHANA: THE CASE OF DAFFIAMA-BUSSIE-ISSA DISTRICT

Abstract

The disability fund, sourced from the district assembly common fund, provides social protection for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana. However, the fund's operations are challenging. Although some earlier research explored the challenges associated with implementing the fund, it was not comprehensive, as it did not combine PWDs' views with those of the disability fund Management Committee members. As such, the fund's challenges are explored from the perspectives of beneficiaries and implementers. A qualitative research approach was employed, with a sample of 36 respondents, and data were gathered using an interview guide and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that inefficiencies and irregularities, political interference and corruption, financial inadequacy, poor quality of assistive devices, and transportation as challenges to the disability fund. It was recommended that the current implementation arrangements of the disability fund be reviewed.

Keywords: Social Protection, Social Assistance, Disability Fund, Persons with Disabilities, Challenges