CEDRI and PADI also raised concerns over the status of an audit that was expected to follow the suspension of former Executive Director Samuel Dean, who was removed from office amid allegations of corruption
MONROVIA-Two disability rights organizations have called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. to immediately remove Mr. Aaron Wright from his position as Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), alleging that his continued leadership violates the law establishing the Commission.
By Willie Tokpah
In a joint press statement issued on Sunday, the Center for Disabilities Rights Inc. (CEDRI) and Professional Advocates for Disabilities Inclusion (PADI) argued that the National Commission on Disabilities Act requires the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors to be persons with disabilities or specialists in disability affairs.
According to the organizations, Mr. Wright does not identify as a person with a disability and has no publicly known professional qualifications or specialization in disability rights, disability inclusion, or disability administration.
They contend that his prolonged service in an acting capacity is inconsistent with both the spirit and intent of the legislation that established the Commission.
“The disability community deserves leadership that is lawful, accountable, competent, and representative of the people it was established to serve,” the organizations said.
CEDRI and PADI also raised concerns over the status of an audit that was expected to follow the suspension of former Executive Director Samuel Dean, who was removed from office amid allegations of corruption.
The groups noted that although the public was informed that an audit would be conducted, more than six months have elapsed without any publicly released findings or update on the process. They argued that the absence of the audit report has undermined transparency and accountability within the institution.
The advocacy organizations further questioned what they described as the recruitment of approximately ten consultants under Mr. Wright’s administration. They claimed that the appointments have largely excluded qualified persons with disabilities despite high levels of unemployment among educated Liberians living with disabilities.
According to the statement, the organizations are concerned that the consultant positions have not demonstrated a clear impact on improving services for persons with disabilities and have raised questions about the equitable use of public resources.
The groups also criticized several decisions taken during Mr. Wright’s tenure, including the reported procurement of a bus they described as inaccessible to persons with certain disabilities, the relocation of the Commission’s headquarters to a facility they allege lacks adequate accessibility features, and the reported expenditure of more than US$30,000 on a six-county tour while key institutional and service delivery challenges remain unresolved.
They argued that these actions have raised doubts within the disability community about whether the Commission’s current leadership adequately understands and prioritizes disability inclusion and accessibility.
CEDRI and PADI disclosed that they have already submitted two separate letters to the Office of the President seeking intervention in the matter. They said the latest statement serves as a renewed appeal for executive action.
The organizations urged President Boakai to appoint a qualified, credible, and capable person with a disability to lead the National Commission on Disabilities, saying such a decision would strengthen public confidence in the institution and reinforce the government’s commitment to the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
Meanwhile, when contacted via mobile phone, Acting Executive Director Aaron Wright confirmed receiving the concerns raised by the two organizations but decline to comment further on the allegations
