-Amid Mismanagement Allegations
Monrovia: A group of visually impaired citizens has petitioned the Liberian Legislature, alleging gross mismanagement and the misuse of hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for their empowerment by the very agency created to protect them. The action places a stark spotlight on the struggles within the disability community against the leadership of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD).
The petitioners presented their formal grievance to the House Committee on Claims and Petition, chaired by Hon. Prince A. Toles, at the Capitol Building on Thursday. They leveled serious accusations of financial impropriety and failed leadership against NCD Executive Director, Mr. Samuel S. Dean, and his Deputy for Administration.
At the heart of the allegations is a specific claim of misused funds. The group stated that US$200,000 allocated for the empowerment of persons with disabilities was largely diverted. They alleged that only US$25,000—distributed as meager US$250 payments to 100 beneficiaries—reached the intended recipients, while the remainder was channeled for unauthorized purposes.
The petitioners emphasized that their protest is a non-partisan plea for accountability, not an attack on the Boakai administration. They expressed strong support for the government’s ARREST Agenda but accused the NCD leadership of failing to align with its principles of rescue and reform. However, the NCD Executive Director Samuel Dean has since denied the allegations and termed the call as one that’s politically motivated.
In an appeal, the group also addressed a recent protest, expressing regret for any inappropriate language used by a few individuals. They urgently called on state security to recognize that persons with disabilities are not enemies of the state, but citizens fighting for their rights and inclusion.
“We are simply seeking fairness and the opportunity to live dignified lives,” a representative of the group stated, framing the petition as a struggle for their fundamental well-being against a system that has failed them.
Following the meeting, Chairman Hon. Prince A. Toles and Co-Chair Hon. Obediah Varney assured the group of a swift and transparent investigation. The matter is scheduled to be formally presented before the full House of Representatives for prompt legislative action.
The petitioners have made a direct appeal to President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., urging him to replace the current NCD leadership with individuals who demonstrate competence, transparency, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the disability community.
