National Disability Commission Head Calls Mansion Protest a Politically Motivated Campaign

Published: October 24, 2025

MONROVIA— The Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), Samuel S. Dean Sr., has dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption, calling the recent protest by visually impaired demonstrators at the Executive Mansion a politically motivated smear campaign.

It can be recalled that on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, scores of disable people, most of them being visually impaired, marched on Capitol Hill, especially at the seat of the Presidency, the Executive Mansion and called on the government to look their way by helping them with basic needs such as shelters, food and tuition for their children. The group, while presenting their plights to the government, especially President Joseph Boakai through representatives of his office, also accused the NCD head of allegedly misappropriating fund they believe was donated by Orange GSM Company, although they did not present documentary evidence to authenticate their claims.

At a press conference held Wednesday at the commission’s headquarters in Congo Town, Dean described the Oct. 21 protest as “a performance,” alleging that it was organized by individuals pursuing political and personal gains rather than genuine advocacy for persons with disabilities.

“This was not a protest—it was a performance,” Dean said. “It was orchestrated by people driven by greed and politics, not by the spirit of empowerment.”

Dean Denies Mismanagement Claims

Dean refuted accusations that he misused US$200,000 allegedly donated by President Joseph N. Boakai to support the disability community. He clarified that the money came from the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) under the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, not from a personal donation.

“The funds were part of our Economic Empowerment Grant Scheme,” Dean said. “This initiative was not a handout—it was a blueprint for transformation.”

He said the program has been implemented in Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Bassa counties, focusing on entrepreneurship, skills training, agriculture, and education for students with disabilities.

Vehicle Purchase Dispute

Protesters accused Dean of using the funds to buy a personal vehicle, but he denied the claim, saying the vehicle was procured for field operations.

“That vehicle remains a tool of service, not a symbol of indulgence,” he said. “It allows our staff to reach remote communities where people with disabilities have long been forgotten.”

Dean argued that some protestors opposed his effort to decentralize the program, preferring that resources remain concentrated in Monrovia. “They wanted all the benefits to stay in Montserrado,” he said. “But disability does not end at the city limits.”

Dean Alleges Exploitation, Child Trafficking

In a striking accusation, Dean said some individuals within the disability community are exploiting children and using them in organized begging operations.

“These individuals prey on vulnerable families, promising to educate their children, only to enslave them in urban begging rings,” Dean alleged. “Their suffering finances the education of their exploiters’ own children.”

He said the practice violates Article 35 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits all forms of child trafficking, and confirmed that he has written to the ministries of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Labour, and the Liberia National Police requesting an investigation.

NCD Reaffirms Transparency

Dean reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, urging the public not to be misled by what he called “political theatrics.”

“We fear nothing but wrongdoing,” he said. “We will continue to serve persons with disabilities in every village, every town, and every county.”

Background

The protest at the Executive Mansion on Tuesday drew a group of visually impaired Liberians who accused the NCD leadership of misusing funds and neglecting their needs. Some demonstrators said President Boakai ignored their plea for engagement when he arrived at the Mansion.

The group vowed to continue their protest until the president takes action against the NCD leadership.

Dean Stands Firm

Despite mounting criticism, Dean said he has no intention of resigning.

“I was appointed to serve, not to enrich myself,” he said. “The truth will always outlive falsehood.”

As tensions grow within Liberia’s disability community, Dean’s defense has sparked broader discussions about decentralization, accountability, and exploitation among advocacy groups representing persons with disabilities.