GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY – In a major step toward advancing disability rights in Bong County, Senator Prince K. Moye recently held a high-level consultative meeting with representatives of the disabled community from all 14 districts. The event, facilitated by his Disability Liaison Officer, Anthony Z. Kollie, marked the beginning of a broader push to strengthen inclusion at the county level.
The gathering took place at the Estella Hotel in Gbarnga, where over 50 delegates from various disability groups assembled. The meeting served as a catalyst for the upcoming Bong County Disability Empowerment Conference set for later this year.
“This marks only the beginning,” Senator Moye told attendees. “No Liberian should be left out of decision-making processes—regardless of ability or geographic location.”
Local Action Anchored in National and Global Commitments
Senator Moye underscored that the initiative is grounded in Liberia’s legal and international obligations—specifically the National Action Plan for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and Section 4 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, which calls for equal participation in all areas of life. He also cited Liberia’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which obligates signatories to uphold the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
He acknowledged that while national institutions like the National Commission on Disabilities and the Group of 77 continue to do important work, it is also the duty of county leaders to ensure inclusion reaches even the most remote areas.
Senator Moye commended long-serving advocates such as Arthur Bondo and Anthony Kollie for their dedication to the cause of disability empowerment in Bong County.
Voices from the Community
The forum created a platform for people with disabilities to speak openly about the systemic barriers they face—ranging from limited educational access to poor health services, inadequate mobility support, and economic exclusion. One speaker, Hannah George, raised concerns about the specific vulnerabilities of disabled women, many of whom are left to singlehandedly care for their children after being abandoned by their partners.
Financial Commitments and Forward-Looking Plans
In response to the concerns raised, Senator Moye pledged LD 400,000 to help strengthen district-level disability leadership structures and provide targeted assistance to members. He also committed LD 75,000 to cover transportation expenses for meeting participants and promised to donate 100 plastic chairs to the disabled community’s central office near the Superintendent’s compound in Gbarnga.
Looking ahead, Moye announced that a countywide disability empowerment conference is being planned, with Gbarnga, Totota, and Salala under consideration as potential venues. The event aims to move beyond discussion, offering tangible opportunities for empowerment through vocational training, startup funding, and tools for self-reliance.
“This next gathering must lead to real outcomes,” he stressed. “It’s about turning conversation into opportunity.”
The Senator also shared his intention to represent the community’s interests at the upcoming United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA) Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, where he will advocate for diaspora support in areas such as inclusive education, small business support, and disability-accessible infrastructure.
A Message of Unity and Accountability
Before wrapping up, Senator Moye urged the disabled community to strengthen internal transparency and maintain unity. He cautioned against favoritism or secrecy in leadership, noting that genuine progress depends on inclusive and participatory governance.
“Let this be the start of a new chapter in how your organization is run,” he said. “Every voice must count.”
The meeting ended with a renewed sense of hope, as participants thanked the Senator for his personal involvement and pledged to return to their communities to raise awareness and prepare for the upcoming empowerment conference.
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