By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
The Ministry of Social Welfare welcomed a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to discuss an upcoming program aimed at promoting the inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) across the region. The delegation, led by Dr. Alves D’Almada Jorge, Head of the Social Affairs Division of the ECOWAS Commission, briefed the Ministry on the Artistic Program for PWDs.
Dr. Jorge emphasized that the initiative seeks to enhance inclusivity for individuals with disabilities within West African states. He explained that the program, which was launched last year, initially covered Benin, Togo, and Nigeria but is set to expand to Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau in 2025. He noted that comprehensive studies on PWDs across the sub-region were conducted last year and that the initiative is now in the implementation phase. Dr. Jorge assured that “no one will be left behind” and commended the Sierra Leonean government for its efforts to integrate PWDs into society.
Hon. Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare, expressed gratitude for the visit, referring to it as “a step in the right direction.” She recalled last year’s ECOWAS ministerial meeting on disability in Nigeria, where member states agreed to prioritize assistive devices for PWDs, especially children, as a critical need.
“If we want persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to society, we must provide them with the necessary tools, especially children in education. The blind, the deaf, and others require assistive devices to thrive,” she stated.
Minister Karminty highlighted the government’s commitment to human capital development under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, stressing the importance of radical inclusion, a policy launched five years ago to ensure equal opportunities for PWDs in national development. She cited the Free Quality Education initiative as a key example of this commitment.
In closing, the Minister pledged full collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission to address the challenges faced by PWDs in Sierra Leone. The delegation’s workshop scheduled for tomorrow will further outline support mechanisms for the country.
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