By: Trokon Wrepue/Gegee Brima
Monrovia, Liberia – Immense pressure is mounting on Samuel Dean, Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), who stands accused of misapplying funds meant for Liberia’s disabled community.
Dozens of disabled men, women, and children gathered outside the historic Providence Baptist Church on Broad Street in Monrovia, voicing frustration over what they described as poor treatment and lack of transparency from the Commission under Dean’s leadership.
One elderly disabled woman told Liberia Excellent News Network: “It did not start today. Recently, the government gave money for us, the disabled, but when we asked Mr. Dean about it, he gave no encouraging answers. He said he took the money to rural Liberia. What about us in Monrovia?”
Another protester, a visually impaired woman named Miatta Kollie, claimed that government and partner funds intended for the entire disabled community have only benefited a select few.
“We are suffering,” Miatta said. “Every morning, we must beg on the streets to get food for ourselves and our families. Mr. Dean is not doing enough for us. We don’t know where all the money is going.”
She added that visually impaired individuals across the country—especially women and children who are now street beggars—need empowerment programs to help them survive and escape street begging.
“It is just wickedness. We are not even getting clear explanations about the funds received on behalf of our community,” she said.
Many protesters have threatened to escalate their demonstration to the Executive Mansion, demanding that President Joseph Boakai dismiss Mr. Dean and appoint someone who will prioritize the needs of the disabled community.
Executive Director Responds
In response, Dean admitted that the government provided US$200,000 for economic empowerment programs targeting people living with disabilities. He explained that the program is structured around four pillars: agribusiness, entrepreneurship, skill development, and aid for students with disabilities or children of disabled parents.
“Our five-year plan is to empower 5,000 people living with disabilities across the country. When we received the funds, we decided to focus on five counties first: Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Bassa,” Dean told journalists. “Some are questioning why we prioritized counties over Monrovia, but we believe it’s necessary to reach rural areas.”
Dean also noted that some of the protesters had previously benefited from past government initiatives. “Some of them received 100,000, 200,000, even motorbikes, yet they are still on the streets. Under our administration, we are committed to ensuring that no disabled person remains on the streets.”
