By: Gabriel M.C Parker
Tubmanburg – The Coordinator of the Christian Association of the Blind in Bomi County, Mr. Anthony Dankan, has raised alarm over the worsening living conditions of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the county
The Coordinator described the situation as heartbreaking and inhumane.
In an exclusive interview with Liberia Excellent News Network, Mr. Dankan expressed deep concern over the continuous ‘marginalization and neglect’ faced by people with disabilities.
He revealed that most PWDs in Bomi County are living under extremely harsh conditions, lack access to essential social services such as adequate housing, healthcare, and food.
According to him, several disabled individuals are currently residing in dilapidated structures that are unfit for human habitation.
Mr. Dankan said some members of his organization left to struggle for survival without proper meals or medical attention, making their lives even more miserable. “Many of our brothers and sisters are living in broken-down huts, some without roofs, and they go to bed hungry most nights,” Mr. Dankan said.
The Coordinator further lamented that due to the lack of government support and social safety nets, many PWDs are left with no choice but to roam the streets, begging for alms just to get by.
He described the practice as degrading and unacceptable in a country that claims to uphold human rights and equality. “What kind of society forces its most vulnerable citizens to beg in the streets just to survive?” he questioned. “It is unfortunate and disgraceful that in this modern time, people with disabilities are still treated like second-class citizens.”
Mr. Dankan noted that the situation is not only a social concern but a moral failure on the part of duty-bearers. He emphasized that every human being, regardless of their physical condition, deserves to live in dignity and have access to basic necessities of life.
He is therefore calling on the local leadership of Bomi County to take immediate and concrete steps toward addressing the plight of persons with disabilities.
According to him, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive policy that focuses on improving the lives of PWDs, including the provision of decent housing, healthcare services, and vocational opportunities. Mr. Dankan urged stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and humanitarian partners, to work together to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in development efforts.
He stressed that inclusion should be a priority at all levels of leadership. “The government must begin to see us as equal citizens,” he concluded. “We are not asking for lluxury, we are asking for fairness and the opportunity to live with respect and dignity.”
