As the world revolves around inclusive society the President of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Maada Bio on the Occasion of the State Opening of the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone in the Well of Parliament Tower Hill, Freetown on Thursday, 7th August 2025, has pledged to promote an inclusive society for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country. Delivering his speech, the President stated that his government is committed to fostering an inclusive society by expanding social protection, promoting disability inclusion, enhancing mental health services, and providing support for the elderly and retirees.
President Bio revealed that the government has enacted two landmark laws, “the Social Work Regulatory Act and the Social Protection Act, which are building stronger systems for the elderly, retirees, and persons with disabilities”, he emphasized.
He further stated that through the National Social Safety Net, 84,000 elderly-headed households have been registered digitally, with cash transfers to over 11,000 elderly citizens aged 75 and above, which is a testament to an inclusive society.
He concluded that the government has secured a US$1 million India-UN grant exclusively for disability related matters, adding that “my government will be establishing skills centres and a disability village to empower vulnerable citizens”.
Reacting with optimism to the President’s speech, National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) Chairman Brima Abdulia Sheriff applauded the President for committing to promoting an inclusive Society for all, adding that “this is a policy statement that needs to be perfected and delivered by all government ministries, agencies and departments”.
He said disability issues must be addressed as a matter of emergency and hoped that with the President’s visionary leadership and direction, the lives of PWDs in the country will transform as we work towards achieving and implementing the rights-based approach in disability.
Brima Abudlia Sheriff stated that with such an uplifting message and commitment from the President, he is convinced that disability-related matters will be brought to the forefront.
He, however, called on the President to ensure that the NCPD is given the necessary facelift it requires to contribute effectively and efficiently to the government’s inclusive agenda, adding that the Commission is in dire need of more staff, logistical, and financial support to fully optimize its potential.
Photo Credit: Office of the First Lady