In an exclusive interview with the newly appointed Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), Brima Abdulia Sheriff, on Monday, 14th July 2025, at the Commission’s New England Ville office, the Chairman shared his ‘PRIDE’ (Policy, Resilience, Inclusion, Dignity, and Empowerment) strategy to transform the landscape of disability rights in the country.
He revealed that the goals in the PRIDE strategy align seamlessly with President Maada Bio’s “Big Five“ game changers, promising a multifaceted approach to inclusive development that encompasses all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
Central to Sheriff’s vision is the PRIDE strategy, which encapsulates his commitment to ensuring that all initiatives undertaken by the NCPD reflect the core values of policy advocacy, representation, inclusion, dignity, and empowerment; “this comprehensive framework is designed to elevate the dignity of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Sierra Leone and ensure that their rights are respected, recognized, and upheld“ he stated.
He said that under his leadership, NCPD aims to enhance existing laws and develop new policies that prioritize the rights of persons with disabilities, adding that “my approach includes advocating for the full implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2011 and ensuring that disability-inclusive policies are integrated into all sectors of governance.
The Commission’s Czar furthered that collaborating with government ministries, civil society organizations, and international partners is part of the PRIDE strategy in ensuring that the disabled are adequately represented in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
He maintained that a critical aspect of the PRIDE strategy is representation to accentuate the phrase “Nothing About Us, Without Us,“ which means that persons with disabilities must be active participants in developing and implementing policies that impact their livelihood.
Brima Sheriff recognizes that true empowerment begins with creating an accessible society where all citizens can participate adequately. He promises to ensure that the advocacy for the removal of physical, social, and economic barriers that hinder PWDs from accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities is effectively addressed.
Sheriff emphasizes that dignity is paramount in the advocacy for disability rights, “stigma and discrimination often faced by PWDs can lead to marginalization, affecting their mental and emotional well-being,“ he stated
Pledging that under the PRIDE strategy, the NCPD will champion initiatives that promote understanding, acceptance, and respect for individuals with disabilities as valued members of society and continued public awareness campaigns aimed at changing societal perceptions.
According to the Chairman, the PRIDE strategy will offer a comprehensive framework for action, addressing the systemic challenges faced by PWDs while fostering collaboration and inclusivity across sectors.
An exuberant disability advocate believes that the Chairman’s work will not only benefit PWDs but will also contribute significantly to nation-building and ensure that inclusivity becomes a defining characteristic of Sierra Leone’s future.
“As we move forward, let us rally around this vision, supporting Brima Abdulia Sheriff and the NCPD in their quest to make Sierra Leone a model of dignity, empowerment, and inclusivity for all its citizens”, he concluded.