NCPD

NCPD and ACC Forge Partnership to Strengthen Accountability and Disability Inclusion

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on October 1, 2026, have strengthened their commitment to promoting accountability, transparency and the protection of resources intended to support persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The partnership seeks to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions, raise awareness of anti-corruption measures among PWDs, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure that PWDs are meaningfully involved in the fight against corruption.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NCPD Chairman and Chief Commissioner, Brima Abdulai Sheriff, described the MoU as an important step towards turning commitments on disability inclusion and accountability into practical action.

“For us, it is not only about signing a paper today; it is about moving this commitment from paper to action,” Sheriff said.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that PWDs are not only beneficiaries of accountability initiatives but are also active participants in promoting transparency and fighting corruption.

“We want PWDs to be at the centre of the conversation and to be crusaders for anti-corruption. I have said in all I do that disability is not a ticket for corruption and lawlessness,” Sheriff stated.

The NCPD Chairman also called for consideration of mechanisms through which funds recovered by the ACC could contribute to disability-related programmes.

He disclosed that he had raised a proposal for a percentage of recovered funds to be allocated to the NCPD, describing it as a policy he is advocating for at the highest level.

Sheriff further stressed the importance of investing in disability inclusion, noting that disability is not an issue that affects only a particular group of people, but something that can happen to anyone through accidents, illness or ageing.

“Disability is a second away from all of us. So, when we invest in disability today, we are actually investing in our own future. We are all a second away from becoming a person with disability through accident, ill-health or old age,” he said.

Reflecting on his experiences in other countries, ACC Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie spoke about the need for Sierra Leone to move away from a culture of dependency and towards systems that recognise PWDs as citizens with equal rights and opportunities.

Ngobie cited Mauritius as an example, noting that public policies and systems there place greater emphasis on supporting PWDs through structured resource distribution rather than reliance on handouts.

“Sadly, in our own nation, we see our compatriots by the roadside,” Ngobie observed, stressing the need for greater dignity, inclusion and equitable access to resources for PWDs.

He described the MoU as an opportunity for the ACC and NCPD to work together in addressing practices that may have been accepted as normal but undermine accountability and the effective use of public resources.

The ACC Deputy Commissioner reaffirmed the Commission’s willingness to work closely with the NCPD and encouraged PWDs to report suspected acts of corruption through the Commission’s established channels.

“When it comes to matters of protecting the resources of this nation, we do not take it lightly, and we are going to make sure we open our doors to you and all members of your Commission,” Ngobie assured.

He encouraged PWDs to make use of the ACC’s telephone numbers, email addresses and other communication channels whenever they suspect acts of corruption, emphasising that their voices are important in protecting resources meant for the development of the country.

The partnership between the NCPD and ACC therefore goes beyond the signing of an MoU. It provides a framework for both institutions to work together to promote accountability, strengthen public awareness, and ensure that PWDs have a meaningful role in national anti-corruption efforts.

For the NCPD, the partnership is also about ensuring that resources intended to improve the lives of PWDs are protected and used for their intended purpose.

As both institutions begin implementing the agreement, the focus will be on translating the commitments made into practical activities, including sensitisation, stronger reporting mechanisms, institutional collaboration and increased participation of PWDs in accountability processes.

The partnership marks another step towards building a Sierra Leone where PWDs are recognised not only as beneficiaries of development, but as equal citizens and active participants in building a more accountable and inclusive society.

NCPD Engages the Senior Leadership of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services on Disability and Inclusion.

The Chairman and Chief Commissioner of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Brima Abdulai Sheriff, engaged the Management of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS) on 28 September 2026 on “Disability and Correctional Services.”

The engagement advanced the NCPD’s PRIDE Vision and highlighted the need to socialise disability inclusion across MDAs and institutions that interact with persons with disabilities.

“People with disabilities may come into conflict with the law, but disability does not disappear when someone enters prison. Assuming that disability is lawlessness is a stereotype we must change.”
— Brima Abdulai Sheriff, Chairman & Chief Commissioner, NCPD

The discussions examined Sierra Leone’s obligations under the UNCRPD and the Persons with Disability Act, 2011, alongside the Sierra Leone Correctional Services Act, 2014, the Nelson Mandela Rules and relevant regional instruments.

Key issues included accessibility, identification and support of inmates with disabilities, equal access to essential services and rehabilitation, staff capacity on disability rights, and stronger collaboration between NCPD and SLCS.

The engagement reinforced that disability inclusion in correctional services is a matter of human rights, dignity, equality and institutional responsibility.

Feedback from SLCS Leadership was positive, reflecting a shared commitment to making correctional services more inclusive, accessible and rights-based.

The engagement provided an important opportunity to strengthen institutional collaboration and advance a more inclusive, accessible, and rights-based correctional system in Sierra Leone.

NCPD participate in the launch and handover of two skills-training centres in Kambia and Kenema

The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting skills development, economic empowerment and meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through strategic partnerships with government, development partners and disability-focused organisations.

The commitment was demonstrated during two significant handover ceremonies held in Kambia and Kenema, where the NCPD Chairman and Chief Commissioner, Brima Abdulai Sheriff, participated and chaired the respective programmes involving the WESOFOD Skills Training Centre in Kambia and the Vocational Training Centre for the Blind in Kenema.

The interventions are part of a broader partnership involving the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Government of India through its Embassy in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP, aimed at strengthening skills training opportunities for PWDs across the country.

Speaking during the engagements, the NCPD Chairman and Chief Commissioner highlighted the importance of transforming commitments to disability inclusion into practical opportunities that can improve the lives and livelihoods of PWDs.

“For the NCPD, empowerment means creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to acquire skills, access resources and participate meaningfully in society. These centres are not simply buildings filled with equipment; they are platforms for independence, dignity and economic empowerment.” — Brima Abdulai Sheriff, Chairman and Chief Commissioner, NCPD.

In Kambia, the handover to Joseph Allieu Kamara included renovated training facilities, 80 sewing machines, eight computers and other essential equipment to support skills development in areas including sewing, welding, weaving and soap making.

In Kenema, the Vocational Training Centre for the Blind, under the leadership of Executive Director Hanafi Sowa, received a renovated and furnished facility equipped with computers, sewing machines, office furniture and other essential supplies to strengthen vocational training for persons who are blind and visually impaired.

The NCPD Chairman noted that such investments demonstrate the value of partnerships in advancing disability inclusion and creating pathways for PWDs to become economically independent.

“When persons with disabilities acquire skills and have access to the necessary resources, they are better positioned to build sustainable livelihoods, contribute to their communities and participate fully in national development.” — Commissioner Sheriff.

The contribution of the Government of India was underscored by H.E. Neeraj Kumar Sinha, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of India in Sierra Leone, who emphasised capacity building as one of India’s key development priorities.

“As a Ministry, we are committed to moving from a model of dependency to one that promotes empowerment, participation, and independence for PWDs. Training is an important foundation, but it can only achieve its full potential when it is complemented by access to markets, finance, appropriate equipment, mentorship and other opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.- Hon. Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare.

“We must move beyond viewing disability solely through the lens of vulnerability and increasingly recognise the ability, potential and contributions of persons with disabilities. Let us continue to work together to build a Sierra Leone where every citizen, regardless of disability, has equal opportunities to learn, work, earn and live with dignity.”-Hon. Karminty.

The initiative is supporting six skills training centres across six districts, with the centres in Kambia and Kenema now completed.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, also reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to the principle of leaving no one behind, while stressing the importance of continued monitoring and accountability to ensure that the interventions deliver sustainable results.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Kevin Petrini described the skills training centres as gateways to opportunity, where skills can be developed, confidence strengthened and lives transformed.

For the NCPD, the interventions represent an important step towards translating disability inclusion policies and commitments into tangible opportunities for PWDs.

The Commission continues to emphasise that disability inclusion should go beyond programmes and projects and become a sustained investment in human potential, leadership, independence, dignity and equal participation.

“Our responsibility at the NCPD is to ensure that persons with disabilities are not only included in development conversations, but are provided with the tools and opportunities to become active contributors to Sierra Leone’s development.” — Brima Abdulai Sheriff, Chairman and Chief Commissioner, NCPD.

The NCPD expressed appreciation to the Government and people of India, the Embassy of India in Sierra Leone, UNDP, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the Ministry of Social Welfare, WESOFOD, the Vocational Training Centre for the Blind and other partners and stakeholders for their continued commitment to advancing the rights and inclusion of PWDs.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships that create opportunities for PWDs across Sierra Leone.

“Ability is everywhere. Opportunity should be too.” — Brima Abdulai Sheriff, NCPD Chairman.

NCPD Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Harmful Practices Against Women and Girls in Falaba

The launch of the "Advocacy Network Against Intersecting Forms of Discrimination (AN-AID)" programme under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 concluded in Mongor, Falaba District, with the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) reaffirming its support for efforts to eliminate harmful practices against women and girls, particularly those with disabilities.

The launch brought together government stakeholders, community representatives, women’s groups, persons with disabilities, and other key actors to strengthen collective action to prevent harmful practices, promote protection, and uphold the rights and dignity of women and girls.

The NCPD emphasized the need to place disability inclusion at the heart of interventions addressing violence, discrimination, and harmful practices. Women and girls with disabilities can experience multiple and intersecting forms of vulnerability and must therefore be meaningfully included in prevention, protection, and response mechanisms.

The Commission also expressed its readiness to work closely with UN Women, government institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and other partners to raise awareness, strengthen advocacy, and create opportunities for women and girls with disabilities to participate fully in initiatives that affect their rights and wellbeing.

The conclusion of the launch events which happened in Kailahun, Moyamba and ended in Falaba marks an important step in strengthening the Intersectional Network and promoting coordinated community action to address harmful practices and violence against women and girls.

The NCPD will continue to champion an inclusive Sierra Leone where every woman and girls; including those with disabilities are protected, respected, empowered, and able to participate meaningfully in society.

NCPD Participates in the launching of the AN-AID in Moyamba District

The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) on 16 September,2026 joined UN Women and its partners in the launching of the "Advocacy Network Against Intersecting Forms of Discrimination (AN-AID)" under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

Intersectional Network engagement held in Moyamba District, aimed at strengthening collective efforts to eliminate harmful practices and violence against women and girls.

The engagement brought together government I institutions, traditional leaders, development partners, Civil Society Organizations and Organizations of Persons with disabilities ( OPDs) to discuss inclusive approaches to preventing violence and harmful practices, particularly among women and girls facing multiple forms of vulnerability.

This initiative aligns with the Commission’s PRIDE Vision, ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are fully included in programmes, policies and interventions addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices.

The Commission emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, community leaders and OPDs to promote awareness, protection, reporting and access to support services.

The participation of the NCPD underscores its commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities and ensuring that disability-inclusive approaches remain central to efforts to eliminate violence and harmful practices against women and girls with disabilities in Sierra Leone.

The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to strengthen coordination, community awareness and inclusive interventions that leave no woman or girl behind.