-Alarms over old folks neglect, following the certification of its new leadership
By Lincoln G. Peters
Paynesville: The newly elected National Executive Director of the Coalition of Caregiver and Advocate for the Elderly in Liberia (COCAEL), Mr. Momo Allison Blanida has expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the failure of the Liberian Senate to concur with the House of Representatives on the passage of the Act seeking to establish the “National Commission for the Elderly in Liberia” (NCEL).
Delivering appreciation remark on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the United Methodist Compound in Monrovia, following election and certification of new leadership, he vowed to ensure that the bill is passage and concur at the Liberian Senate, to ensure that Liberian old-folks are protected, respected and treated with dignity and seriousness, through national budgetary support and policy accountability.
‘’ The purpose of this bill is to address critical, social protection gaps, protecting the rights, dignity, and, health of the elderly. The Commission will oversee rehabilitation centers, provide vocational training, and, ensure social reintegration for the elderly. The legislation seeks to address the lack of care, and, vulnerability faced by the elderly population in Liberia. Now, my major focused will be to expand collaboration and strategy with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that this dream is achievable. ‘’ he stated.
On August 20, 2021, the House of Representatives passed the bill establishing an old folks’ commission to cater to the needs of the elderly population in Liberia. The bill, which is entitled ‘The National Commission for the Elderly in Liberia (NCEL), was dangling in committee rooms for over three years since it was introduced by Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon, now speaker received unanimous vote.
According to section 4 of the bill, the function of the Commission, among other things include “To accredit and license institutions offering or plan to offer residential services and community based services to the elderly in Liberia after a thorough assessment of the entities; approve the fiscal Budget of the Commission in consultation with the Advisory Council and Executive Director; promote, provide and ensure access to basic social services, bearing in mind specific needs of older persons in Liberia; and to promote and enhance the safety, health, welfare and quality of the life of the elderly and aged caregivers and consumers.
Since the passage of the bill, the bill has been forwarded to the Liberian Senate where it is expected to be debated; and when passed will be forwarded to President Joseph N. Boakai for signature to become law after it has been printed into hand bill by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Until these processes are met, it is not law.
Mr. Blanida said that it’s very frustrating that the bill is currently in the Liberian Senate before the senate Committee on Health, headed by Grand Cape County Senator Debah M. Varpilah, adding that the essence of the bill is to provide for the elderly and cater to their protection and wellbeing.
According to him, they have engaged the Senate Committee on Health through peaceful march and petition but they are yet to fulfill their promise on passing the bill, something he described as a disservice to the old-folks community because they are losing their lives on a daily basis due to neglect and frustration.
He reminded the gathering that the NCEL Act seeks to establish a, dedicated commission, providing comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and social protection for citizens aged 60 and above, with the aimed creating rehabilitation centers in all 15 counties, combats ageism, and, improves the quality of life for senior citizens.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026 the AHHOC National Election Commission of the Coalition of Caregiver and Advocates for the Elderly in Liberia held it election in the Conference room in the UMC Compound. The election commission was chaired by Mr. Jeremiah S. Swen and compromises of representatives from the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection, Independent National Commission on Human Rights Civil Society Organizations among others.
During the election, the interested candidates were elected on a white ballot and they includes, Mr. Momo Allison Blanida, Nationa Executive Director, Mr. J. Togar Seekpee, 1st Deputy Director for Administration, Rev. Khartouma Y. Grado-Harris, 2st Deputy Director for Operation.
Also elected and certificated was Mr. Albert Scott, General Secretary, Madam Ma-De Zoe Lake, Financial Secretary, Rev. J. Gardea Henry, Treasure, Madam Esther J.S. Clorte, Program Coordinator, Mr. Sam O.E. Cole, Relief Director and Mr. Nathaniel Jackson, County Coordinator.
