On the International Day of Persons With Disabilities summit held in Bo on the 3rd of December 2022, the Minister of Social Welfare, Baindu Dassama sounded a note of caution when giving her keynote address.
The occasion was chaired by Harry Powell and was attended by disability groups from across Sierra Leone. In his opening address, the chairman repeated that ” disables are factored in government’s development agenda”, and called on them to seize opportunities to make their lives better.
Dr. Vandy Konneh, a disabled himself informed the mammoth gathering that “a consortium has been formed representing the interest of disabled in the country.” And that he, Dr. Vandy Konneh is the coordinator and the supervising minister is the chair of the consortium.
Whilst the PPRC Chairman, Abdullai Bangura told the disabled that the political act now makes it mandatory for every political party to create space for the disabled. On the other hand, he cautioned them to be of good conduct.
A representative from the Attorney General’s office informed us that they are doing everything possible to ensure ” equal opportunity” for all disables in Sierra Leone. And will monitor MDAs to make sure they are complying with the Disability Act in our constitution. Women are at the heart of the radical inclusion policy as they are most times disadvantaged.
The Disabled Act makes sure that persons with disabilities have access to free medical care, free tertiary education, easy access to all public buildings and being part of our economic policies. The disabled have to be part of the policy formulation affecting their lives. As it was stated in their slogan ” nothing about us without us.”
Giving the keynote address, Minister Baindu Dassama outlined that since 30 years ago when the 3rd of December was declared as a day for the disabled more needs to be done. Speaking around this year’s theme, “Transformative Solutions For Inclusive Development, The Role Of Innovation in Fueling An Accessible And Equitable World.”
That disabled are going to be part of the ” economic, social and cultural transformation of Sierra Leone.” He warned against disabled who ” make unrealistic demands and advised them to make the best use of opportunities given to them.” It was also revealed that government creates the space for the disabled to be employed in key government institutions around the country. She officially declared the summit opened for deliberations.
Kadijatu Bangura of DRIMs, a disability group said that the United Nations calls on the 185 countries that signed up to the chatter to ensure that the commitment made 30 years ago is carried through.
John Konteh who is commissioner of the disabled in the Southern province said that slowly they are making a difference in the lives of the disabled as compared to 30 years ago.
The summit went into a question and answer session with recommendations proffered. A position paper, read by Abdul Sheriff and addressed to the government of Sierra Leone and the UN was given to the minister to be forwarded. And a vote of thanks was given by Sylvanus Fannah.