In a recent press release, the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI) has called upon President Bio to appoint a person with a disability as the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare.

The union emphasizes the need for inclusive representation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in ministerial, parastatal, and administrative positions. They said “While we commend the President for appointing young people and women in governance, we are yet to see the appointment of PWDS in cabinet, parastatals and ambassadorial positions.”

Amidst their call for greater representation, SLUDI extends congratulations to Mrs. Melrose Kaminty, the Minister of Social Welfare designate, on her appointment. They believe that her appointment will bring added value to the ongoing work of the outgoing Minister and the Ministry’s staff. The Union also congratulates President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on his re-election in the June 24, 2023 presidential elections.

However, SLUDI draws attention to the vacant Deputy Minister position at the Ministry of Social Welfare, which they firmly believed should be awarded to a qualified and competent disabled individual. They urge President Bio to consider this appointment as a crucial step towards promoting inclusivity and empowering PWDs in decision-making positions.

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Even though they are making this demand they stated their commitment to working with the present Minister of Social Welfare.

“The Union is fully committed to working with the Minister of Social Welfare designate for the appointment of the chaiman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability to accomplish

the dreams and aspirations of the President and improve the conditions of persons with disability in Sierra Leone.”

In the end of the release they express their appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their remarkable and outstanding work with them.

“At this juncture, we wish to express our since thanks and appreciation to the outgoing ministers of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Ministry of Social Welfare, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and Madam Baindu Dassama respectively, for their outstanding work in the disability sector over the past five years.”
They said, “We believe that with the appointment of Dr. Sengeh as Chief Minister, he will continue to make the landmark in improving the conditions of persons with disabilities and the implementation of PWDS Act of 2011 in all line Ministries.”