‘They Are Street Beggars’

‎By Othello Sarweh Nimely

‎MONROVIA-OCTOBER 22, 2025: The Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), Samuel S. Dean has denied allegations that he diverted L$200,000 reportedly intended to support visually impaired persons in Liberia.

‎ In his response on Wednesday, Mr. Dean described the protesters as “street beggars,” accusing them of being manipulated by political opportunists. His statement follows a protest held on Tuesday, October 21, by a group of visually impaired individuals who gathered in front of the Executive Mansion in Monrovia.

‎The demonstrators demanded explanations regarding the alleged misuse of funds that they claimed were meant to improve their living conditions.

‎According to the protesters, the Government of Liberia had provided the amount through the NCD, but Mr. Dean allegedly used the money for personal purposes, including the purchase of a pickup truck.

‎In a statement issued Wednesday, Dean dismissed the accusations as false and politically motivated, explaining that the funds in question were part of a government-approved initiative under the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) and not a personal donation from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.

‎ “Yesterday’s demonstration at the gates of the Executive Mansion led by a handful of blind street beggars was not a protest; it was a performance,” Dean said. “A performance choreographed by extortionists and political opportunists designed to smear a reputation built on service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the disability community.”

‎Dean clarified that the L$200,000 allocation was used to support the NCD’s Economic Empowerment Grant Scheme; a program designed to assist persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship, skills training, agro-business, and educational support.

‎He stated that the program was successfully implemented across Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Bassa Counties under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and was monitored, evaluated, and broadcast live to ensure transparency.

‎“We passed with flying colors,” he added, noting that the purchase of a project vehicle was necessary to facilitate outreach activities in the counties. “That vehicle remains a tool of service not a symbol of indulgence.”

‎The disabled community boss further alleged that the protest stemmed from resistance to his decision to decentralize the grant program which he said aimed to extend support to disabled persons in rural areas.

‎ “They argued that Montserrado alone should benefit, ignoring the plight of disabled persons in rural counties who lack access to Broad Street’s daily earnings,” he asserted.

People With disabilities protest in Monrovia

‎During Tuesday’s protest, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s motorcade was seen entering the Executive Mansion but did not stop to address the crowd much to the disappointment of the demonstrators who had hoped for his intervention.

‎The protest which drew over 70 visually impaired individuals, has reignited debate over how government funds for persons with disabilities are managed. It also comes at a time when street begging has become a common means of survival for many people living with disabilities in Monrovia and other parts of the country.