The Adama Team Foundation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adama Konneh, has passionately appealed to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to establish a Ministry of Disability Affairs — a standalone government body dedicated to addressing the unique needs and rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Mrs. Konneh emphasized that while a legislative commission currently exists, a dedicated ministry—similar to those for Youth and Women’s Affairs—would ensure focused attention, stronger advocacy, and more effective policy implementation for the disability community.
“Society needs leaders who not only advocate for legal changes but also enforce and implement policies that allow persons with disabilities to thrive equally across the nation,” she stated.
The Foundation further called on President Bio to encourage cabinet members and other government officials to be more disability-sensitive and genuinely prioritize the welfare of PWDs. Advocates lamented that the disability community has waited too long for promises to be translated into tangible actions, urging the government to fully integrate disability rights into national development, education, and employment frameworks.
“As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in the United States, we are reminded of our shared duty to promote inclusion, accessibility, and equality for all citizens,” Mrs. Konneh added. “True inclusion requires more than legislation—it demands leadership, empathy, and the will to act.”
Outlining her reasons, Mrs. Konneh cited the benefits of a dedicated ministry: focused attention, inclusive policy development, stronger advocacy, improved coordination among institutions, and clear accountability mechanisms.
She concluded with an appeal for this moment to mark a turning point in Sierra Leone’s commitment to equality and inclusion:
“Together, we can build a nation where every individual—regardless of ability—is empowered to contribute, participate, and succeed. This is not a privilege, but a right.”
