By Domingo Dargbeh
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), Samuel S. Dean, Sr., has described as “streets beggars,” those physically-challenged that protested in the courtyard of the Executive Mansion in Monrovia.
Dean then issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made against him following a demonstration, which he characterized as a “performance orchestrated by extortionists and political opportunists.”
In a press conference on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Dean said the demonstration, led by a “small group of blind street beggars, was not a legitimate protest, rather a calculated effort to undermine reputation of the Commission, and its commitment to serve the disabled community.”
“The allegations levied against me are false, malicious and politically motivated,” Dean denied.
He specifically denied claims that he mismanaged US$200,000 allegedly donated by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Dean then clarified that “no personal donation had been made to him by anyone, lest to mention the President.
He explained that the funds were allocated through the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) under the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to support the Commission’s Economic Empowerment Grant Scheme.
“This initiative was not a handout; it was a blueprint for transformation,” Dean said.
He detailed how the program has successfully rolled out in Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa counties.
It focuses on entrepreneurship, skills training, Agro-business, and financial aid for students with disabilities and those with disabled parents.
Dean: “The program was monitored, and evaluated with transparency at its core.”
In relation to the procurement of a project vehicle, Dean reiterated that the vehicle is intended for outreach purposes, and not for personal use.
He suggested that the true grievance of the demonstrators stemmed from the Commission decision to decentralize its programs, which he argued, was essential to serve disabled individuals in rural areas, who lacked access to opportunities.
“What unfolded on Tuesday, October 21 was not a call for accountability; it was an attempt to coerce, extort, and derail a paradigm shift from dependency to dignity,” he stated.
Dean meanwhile, described the hypocrisy of some physical challenged individuals, who he said, have previously received grants, “but return to streets begging.”
Dean further highlighted a critical issue of child trafficking that is intertwined with the protest.
He accused some of the protestors of exploiting vulnerable families in rural areas by promising education for their children, only to trap them in urban begging rings.
“This is not just criminal; it is unconscionable,” he said.
In response to these allegations, Dean confirmed reaching out to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Liberia National Police, and other relevant agencies, urging immediate action to rescue exploited children and prosecute those responsible for trafficking.
The NCD, he said, remains steadfast in its mission, promising that the Commission will not be deterred by “political theatrics or smear campaigns.”
“We will continue to serve persons with disabilities, not just in Monrovia, but in every village, town and county.”