SLAD Calls on Parliament to Reject the New NCPD
By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)One of the
leading disability rights activists campaigners, Adama Team Foundation-US-UK-SL and the Sierra Leone Association of Deaf (SLAD) have strongly condemned the recent violation of the Sierra Leone Persons with Disabilities Act 2011, specifically regarding the attempted removal of Dr. Vandy Konneh, the current Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
They highlight that the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, misinformed and misguided the Government by recommending a new Chairman despite there been no vacancy, a clear breach of the 2011 Disability Act. It must be noted that Dr. Vandy Konneh was duly appointed on May 16, 2024 and approved by Parliament in June 2024.
The Act outlines clear procedures for the appointment and tenure of the Chairman, including a three-year term and specific conditions for removal (Section 4). These procedures relate to lack of performance, incompetency or criminal behaviour. But Dr. Vandy Konneh’s situation does not fall under those conditions rendering the sad attempted replacement unlawful.
The National Alliance for Persons with Disabilities, which the Adama Team Foundation-US-UK-SL is a part of, demands immediate action. According to them Dr. Konneh must be allowed to complete his term, an investigation into the Minister’s actions initiated, policies modified for future compliance and the unlawful appointment letter retracted and withdrawn. Parliamentarians are urged to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
Osman Amadu Fofanah, Public Relations Officer, SLAD, said the decision of Government is unfortunate. “Dr. Konneh is highly proactive and hard-working. We believe in Dr. Konneh’s abilities and initiatives despite challenges. Parliament must reject the so-called new Disability Commissioner that the Minister and Co. are trying to impose on us,” he logically stated.
Unfortunately, all efforts to reach the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, to respond to these sad allegations through her WhatsApp Contact +23278227407 but to no avail.
