By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A disability rights group, the National Alliance for Persons with Disabilities, has condemned the recent appointment of a new Chairman for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), citing a gross violation of the Sierra Leone Persons with Disabilities Act 2011. The group claims that the appointment, which was announced by the Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, on June 5, 2025, is unlawful and invalid as it does not align with the provisions of the Act.
According to the Act, the Chairman of the NCPD is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the minister and subject to parliamentary approval. The current Chairman, Dr. Vandy Konneh, was appointed by the President on May 16, 2024, and approved by parliament in June 2024. The group argues that Dr. Konneh’s tenure has not expired, and none of the conditions specified in Section 4(2) of the Act, which would warrant his removal, have been met.
Section 4(2) of the Act states that a person ceases to be a member if their term expires, they resign, they fail to attend three consecutive meetings without cause, they die or become incapacitated, they become bankrupt/insolvent, or they are convicted of a serious offense. None of these conditions have been met, and therefore, the group demands that Dr. Konneh be allowed to finish his three-year appointment as stated in the Act.
The National Alliance for Persons with Disabilities is demanding immediate action to rectify the situation. The group’s demands include:
– That the current Chairman/Commissioner of the NCPD, Dr. Vandy Konneh, be allowed to finish his three-year appointment as stated in the 2011 Act.
– Prompt investigation into the actions leading to the purported replacement of the current chairman that did not fall within the bracket of the Persons with Disability Act 2011.
– Modification of policies and procedures to ensure future compliance with the relevant sections of the Persons with Disability Act 2011.
– Immediate retraction of the unlawful appointment letter making the rounds on social media about a replacement of the current Chairman.
The group argues that the Minister’s actions constitute a constitutional abuse, as she has misled the President about the position of the NCPD Chairman being vacant when there is a substantive Chairman appointed by the President and approved by parliament.
The situation has sparked widespread concern among disability advocacy groups, who are calling for the government to respect the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2011. The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the appointment and removal of officials in government commissions.
The National Alliance for Persons with Disabilities has vowed to take all necessary steps to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected and promoted in Sierra Leone. The group is urging the government to take immediate action to address the situation and prevent future violations of the Act.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the disability rights group. One thing is certain, however – the incident has brought to the fore the need for greater scrutiny of government actions and their impact on the rights of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
