By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Social Welfare has taken a pivotal step toward advancing disability inclusion in Sierra Leone with a Town Hall Meeting held at the Freetown City Council Hall. The event gathered senior government officials, United Nations representatives, advocacy groups, and community leaders to deliberate on creating a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
In his keynote address, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mohamed Lamin Tarawallie reiterated the government’s dedication to inclusivity, aligning with its “Big Five” development priorities.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the review of the 2011 Disability Act, cash transfer programs, and economic empowerment grants, as part of a broader vision to provide equal opportunities for all.
“This town hall is a critical step in our efforts to break barriers and promote dignity for persons with disabilities,” Tarawallie stated. “We remain committed to creating a society where no one is left behind.”
UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana praised Sierra Leone’s efforts, emphasizing the challenges faced by the global disabled community, which numbers over 1.3 billion people. Wakana reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting disability inclusion in Sierra Leone, citing initiatives like the establishment of a disability fund and revisions to the Disability Act to bolster economic empowerment.
Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Kamity outlined the ministry’s progress in domesticating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She launched the Sierra Leone Disability Inclusion Strategy and announced the creation of an Impact Assessment Committee to track progress.
“Breaking down attitudinal and structural barriers is key to ensuring accessibility and equity,” she remarked, urging stakeholders to contribute technical, material, and financial support to advance the inclusion agenda.
Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby underscored improvements in healthcare for persons with disabilities, noting a $24 million partnership with MIT for the production of smart prosthetics and local medical training programs. He called for further collaboration to expand access to assistive devices, rehabilitation services, and inclusive healthcare facilities.
Deputy Minister 2 of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education Mamusu Patico Komeh highlighted successes under the Radical Inclusion Policy, which prioritizes education for all. Komeh reported improved school infrastructure and accessibility, with 18 visually impaired students successfully completing the wassce exams this year.
Alieu Joseph Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Union for Disability Issues (SLUDI), called for increased representation of persons with disabilities in decision-making. He raised concerns about limited accessibility in public facilities and hidden educational costs for students with disabilities, urging practical solutions to these challenges.
The town hall concluded with a pledge to translate discussions into actionable strategies. As the nation prepares to observe the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, the event highlighted the ongoing commitment to fostering a society rooted in dignity, equity, and respect for all.
Participants commended the Ministry of Social Welfare for its proactive leadership and stressed the need for sustained collaboration to address the pressing challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.