By Desmond Lewis
In a compelling interview on Monday, July 14, 2025, newly appointed Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), Brima Sheriff, outlined an ambitious vision to reshape the landscape of disability rights in Sierra Leone. Speaking from the Commission’s office in New England Ville, Sheriff introduced his transformative PRIDE Strategy, built on the pillars of Policy, Resilience, Inclusion, Dignity, and Empowerment.
A Vision Aligned with National Priorities
Commissioner Sheriff emphasized that the PRIDE initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers, ensuring an inclusive development approach that benefits all citizens regardless of ability. He reiterated that the NCPD under his leadership will be rooted in advocacy, representation, and policy reform, with inclusion and dignity at the forefront.
Key Commitments of the PRIDE Strategy
– Full implementation and enhancement of the Persons with Disability Act of 2011
– Integration of disability-inclusive policies across all sectors of governance
– Strategic partnerships with civil society and international organizations
– Promoting active participation of persons with disabilities in all decision-making processes
– Addressing barriers that restrict access to education, healthcare, and social mobility
Dignity, Representation, and Inclusion
Sheriff emphasized that empowering persons with disabilities begins with building an accessible society. He promised targeted efforts to eliminate physical, social, and economic hurdles that contribute to exclusion. He also highlighted that stigma and discrimination severely impact the mental and emotional well-being of persons with disabilities and must be tackled through public education and awareness campaigns.
“Nothing About Us Without Us”
Upholding this global mantra, Commissioner Sheriff stated that persons with disabilities must be actively involved in shaping policies that affect their lives. The PRIDE framework, he said, is not merely symbolic—but a functional roadmap that champions respect, empowerment, and recognition for individuals with disabilities as equal members of society.
Commissioner Sheriff closed by asserting that the PRIDE strategy is designed to foster understanding, build trust, and promote inclusive development, creating a future where every Sierra Leonean can thrive regardless of ability.