Brima Sheriff Unveils Bold “PRIDE” Agenda for Disability Inclusion and Rights
By Mohamed Kargbo
In a bold and transformative move that signals a new era for disability rights advocacy in Sierra Leone, the newly appointed Chief Commissioner of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Brima Abdulai Sheriff, has introduced an ambitious framework aimed at positioning disability issues at the heart of national development.
Speaking at the Government’s Weekly Press Briefing on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Youyi Building in Freetown, Commissioner Sheriff unveiled the “PRIDE” strategy an inclusive, rights-based agenda designed to restore dignity, promote inclusion, and drive sustainable empowerment for persons with disabilities.
A New Vision Rooted in Human Rights
Brima Sheriff, a veteran human rights defender and former Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, declared his vision to reposition the Commission and redefine the public perception of disability.
“I will come with a strategy called PRIDE. I want to bring back pride in the disability community,” he said, outlining that PRIDE stands for Policy engagement, Rights, Inclusion, Dignity, and Empowerment.
Sheriff emphasized that disability must no longer be seen through the outdated lens of pity or charity but must be recognized as a human rights and developmental issue deserving policy attention and institutional investment.
“We are not asking for sympathy,” he stressed. “We want inclusion. Disability issues should be at the centre, not on the margins of national development.”
Legislative Action and Policy Reform
A cornerstone of the PRIDE strategy involves urgent legislative reform. Sheriff announced that he has already held consultations with the Attorney General and the Minister of Social Welfare to initiate a review and implementation of the Disability Act. He also vowed to revisit recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), especially the longstanding call for at least 5% representation of persons with disabilities in governance.
Drawing inspiration from President Julius Maada Bio’s landmark decision to reserve 30% of leadership roles for women, Commissioner Sheriff proposed that a portion of that representation be allocated to persons with disabilities.
“The stats are simple,” he explained. “I will engage the owners of the 30% and say, ‘You already have 30%, now share it with us.’ That’s how we move forward.”
Tackling Institutional Gaps and Improving Data Accuracy
Sheriff acknowledged systemic weaknesses within the Commission and announced plans to conduct a full institutional capacity assessment. This diagnostic will help identify gaps and reform areas to enable the NCPD to function more effectively.
“One of the first things I will do is assess where we are as a Commission
our strengths, limitations, and areas we need to strengthen,” he said.
He also criticized outdated demographic data that grossly underestimates the number of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone. The current figure
1.3% of the population
was labeled inaccurate and misleading.
“Without accurate data, we cannot plan. We must drive advocacy with credible figures,” Sheriff insisted, noting his plans to work with Statistics Sierra Leone to produce reliable, updated data to inform national strategies and funding proposals.
Empowerment Through Innovation and Skills Training
Commissioner Sheriff also highlighted a new initiative in partnership with tech organizations aimed at training 1,000 persons with disabilities in digital skills and innovation. This program falls under the Empowerment pillar of the PRIDE strategy and is central to his plan to bridge the economic inclusion gap.
“I have already initiated talks on concise technology and innovation. We want to see empowerment through the last letter of PRIDE,” he said, envisioning a future where persons with disabilities are equipped to participate in Sierra Leone’s growing digital economy.
Unifying a Divided Advocacy Landscape
Sheriff also acknowledged the internal divisions and disagreements that have historically hampered the disability rights movement in Sierra Leone. However, he emphasized his commitment to reconciliation and unity.
“We cannot move forward in division. We need peace to build a stronger movement. I have started that engagement,” he affirmed, noting that he has begun reaching out to various factions and development partners to foster collaboration.
Institutional Credibility and Strategic Partnerships
In closing, Sheriff promised to transform the NCPD into a credible, resource-attracting institution. He emphasized the need for transparent leadership, strategic partnerships, and bold advocacy that reflects the lived realities of persons with disabilities.
“We want to become an institution of choice,” he concluded. “At the end of the day, it’s nothing for us, without us. You cannot discuss disability issues without placing us at the centre.”
Analysis: A Defining Moment for Disability Rights in Sierra Leone
Sheriff’s PRIDE agenda could mark a turning point in the national discourse around disability. If implemented effectively, the strategy has the potential to recalibrate public policy, elevate the voices of the disabled community, and ensure that the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are no longer peripheral but central to Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
With strong political will, data-driven advocacy, and united stakeholder engagement, Commissioner Sheriff’s vision could bring lasting and meaningful change turning PRIDE from a slogan into a transformative national agenda.
