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The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has intensified efforts to promote the meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Sierra Leone’s political and democratic processes.
On 19 August 2026, PPRC Chairman Emmanuel Koivaya Amara, Esq., and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) at the Ministry of Social Welfare Conference Hall in New England Ville, Freetown, where discussions centred on strengthening disability inclusion within political parties.
The engagement brought together officials of the PPRC and NCPD, the Minister of Social Welfare, Hon. Melrose Karminty, representatives of the Ministry and the media.
Chairman Amara used the engagement to highlight the need for Persons with Disabilities to move beyond being mere supporters of political parties and become formal members who can influence decisions and contribute to party governance.
He called for the establishment of a database of Persons with Disabilities within political parties, saying such information would help the PPRC and other stakeholders advocate for greater representation and participation in political decision-making.
The PPRC Chairman also urged the Ministry of Social Welfare and the NCPD to encourage PWDs to register with political parties, noting that formal membership would provide them with greater opportunities to have their voices heard.
“We are committed to driving this change together,” Chairman Amara stated, reaffirming the PPRC’s intention to use its legal and regulatory mandate to promote the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the governance and political activities of registered political parties.
The Minister of Social Welfare, Hon. Melrose Karminty, welcomed the initiative and called for practical collaboration between the PPRC and NCPD to address barriers limiting the participation of PWDs in national affairs.
She particularly encouraged the PPRC to create avenues through which Persons with Disabilities can contribute to policymaking and have their concerns reflected in political processes.
For his part, NCPD Chairman and Chief Commissioner Brima Abdulai Sheriff identified several areas requiring urgent attention, including employment opportunities for PWDs within political parties, accessible political spaces, sign language interpretation, reasonable accommodation and a proposed 2% engagement target for political parties.
He also called for increased promotion of women with disabilities in political participation.
“Persons with disabilities are not merely voters. We are citizens, candidates, leaders and decision makers. Our democracy must make room for us at every level,” Commissioner Sheriff stated.
The NCPD expressed its readiness to work closely with the PPRC to advance disability inclusion across Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
The engagement ended with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to building a political system in which Persons with Disabilities can participate meaningfully as party members, candidates, leaders and decision-makers.
