By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Magbenteh, Sierra Leone – Rafael Kamara, Program Officer at the Polio Development Organization (PDO), has called on the Sierra Leonean government to prioritize the needs of persons with disabilities beyond political seasons and implement sustainable support systems. Speaking to Premier News on April 13, 2025, Kamara highlighted the persistent struggles faced by disabled individuals, particularly in accessing public spaces and maintaining a dignified livelihood.
Kamara referenced the Persons with Disability Act of 2011, which mandates accessibility in public infrastructure, including ramps and inclusive facilities. However, he lamented the lack of enforcement, stating, “Most government buildings and institutions still fail to adhere to this legal requirement. For someone in a wheelchair, just entering a government office can be a nightmare. Even though the law is there, enforcement is weak. We see new buildings go up without ramps. How can someone with mobility issues access these spaces?”
Beyond physical barriers, Kamara emphasized the psychological and economic toll on disabled individuals. He explained that many are forced to beg on the streets due to systemic neglect. “Imagine waking up with no food, no support, and no one to turn to. Some of us would rather go hungry than go out and beg, but survival pushes people to do things they’re not proud of,” he said.
Kamara appealed to the government to introduce monthly food support for disabled communities, suggesting that even twenty bags of rice a month could significantly alleviate their struggles. “Government cannot take care of everybody,” he acknowledged, “but they can ease our burden. That little monthly support could prevent so much suffering.”
He also criticized the trend of political engagement with disabled communities only during election campaigns. “During elections, politicians remember the disabled,” Kamara noted. “But after they win, we’re forgotten again. This is not how a nation should treat its citizens.”
Kamara urged non-governmental organizations and development partners to intensify vocational training and empowerment programs. He praised a recent initiative by the Ministry of Social Welfare, which provided 14 overlock sewing machines and other equipment, including office printers and projectors, to PDO. “That was a great step,” he said. “It allowed us to train young people who had given up hope and help them regain their self-worth through skill-building.”
However, he stressed the need for continuity. “It’s not enough to come once, hand over items, and disappear,” Kamara said. “Programs should be ongoing. People need consistent training, food support, and a pathway to economic independence.”
Despite the challenges, Kamara remains hopeful. “We’ve adapted to hardship,” he said, “but that should not be our fate. We are citizens too. Our pain, our struggles—they deserve attention. Disabled people’s issues are not private problems. They are national concerns.”
The Polio Development Organization continues to provide critical support to persons with disabilities in Bombali District. However, as Kamara emphasized, “We need more hands. We need a system that works for all.”