CEDRI TV

25/05/2026

To our fellow comrades and colleagues with disabilities, the wider disability community in Liberia, and all peace-loving citizens, we extend warm greetings from the Center for Disabilities Rights Inc. (CEDRI Liberia) and in our capacity as advocates and activists.
After listening carefully to the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on May 21, 2026, involving the Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities Mr. J. Aaron Wright and the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Admassu who claimed to be a guest of the Commission, CEDRI can safely state that the Acting Executive Director is misleading the disability community and the government. He falsely presented the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia as a guest of the Commission, when in reality, the former Prime Minister is in Liberia for potential private investment opportunities.
This misrepresentation is like packaging an electronic item and labeling it as a bread. The Acting Executive Director is misusing the visit of the former Prime Minister, just as he did with two previous guests. While the former Prime Minister is here for investment, the Acting Executive Director has reportedly spent over three thousand USD of PWDs’ funds on him, with no benefit to the disability community. His actions clearly serve his own interests, particularly to grow his young foundation: Global Hearts Initiatives Foundation, founded on February 15, 2024, and his church.
We urge those with smartphones to visit the Ministry of Information’s page and the National Commission on Disabilities’ page to listen to the press briefing directly.
The Acting Executive Director has previously brought two other guests to the Commission, yet the disability community received no tangible benefits. He continues to exploit the community to strengthen his own institutions www.GHI-Foundation.org.
CEDRI is once again calling on the President to dismiss the Acting Executive Director immediately, subject him to investigation, and conduct a possible audit. We will not sit back and allow him to use the disability community for personal gain.
Seeking the welfare of people with disabilities throughout the Republic of Liberia is our lifeline, while accountability and transparency remain CEDRI’s core goals.

www.cedrlr.org

Center for Disabilities Rights Inc. (CEDRI) Motto: “My Rights, Are My Dignity” Helping people with Disabilities never doubt that they are Valuable & Powerful Education Education Health care Free counselling Awareness Local community Amb. Austine Moan Baryo CEDRI - Chief Executive Officer Welcome...

21/05/2026

Hello to all Liberians and the Government of the Republic of Liberia. We bring you greetings from the Center for Disabilities Rights Inc. (CEDRI Liberia), and in our capacity as disability rights advocates and activists.
CEDRI is once again drawing the attention of the Government of Liberia to the poor and deteriorating conditions in which people with disabilities live in their own country, particularly regarding equality, accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity (EADIE).
Equality: People with disabilities are considered less than human, without class or status among their non-disabled peers. They are looked down upon and marginalized.
Accessibility: Accessibility remains a major issue in Liberia for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Streets, public buildings, and recreational centers including government offices, supermarkets, school campuses, courtrooms, police stations, parks, housing units, and office complexes are not accessible.
Diversity: Diversity is not practiced in Liberia when it comes to people with disabilities. One does not need to share the same ethnic group, ability/disability, status, class, fortune, or culture to accommodate another person.
Inclusion: Society is not inclusive of people with disabilities. Discrimination is widespread in employment, school admissions, national budget allocations, and the provision of services.
Equal Opportunity: People with disabilities are denied equal opportunities in employment and do not receive equal pay for equal work.
The government is obligated to provide all of the above to people with disabilities in Liberia. As custodian of the nation’s resources, it must distribute them equally among its citizens according to the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. People with disabilities are no exception, and they represent a significant portion of the population.
CEDRI is again calling on the Government of Liberia the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary to take meaningful action to support citizens with disabilities and improve their living conditions. This will allow them to stand tall among their peers and regain their humanity and dignity. The Executive should promote equality, accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The Legislature should pass laws that protect the rights and dignity of PWDs nationwide. The Judiciary should defend the rights of people with disabilities. Together, the government can improve the status of its citizen with disabilities throughout the nation.
The Center for Disabilities Rights will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities in Liberia and globally. For the improvement of their lives, our advocacy and activism will persist throughout the Republic of Liberia.

Center for Disabilities Rights Inc. (CEDRI) Motto: “My Rights, Are My Dignity” Helping people with Disabilities never doubt that they are Valuable & Powerful Education Education Health care Free counselling Awareness Local community Amb. Austine Moan Baryo CEDRI - Chief Executive Officer Welcome...

20/05/2026

Monrovia-The Center for Disabilities Rights Inc., CEDRI-Liberia, has issued an open letter to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, raising serious concerns over what it describes as “missteps and disservices” affecting persons with disabilities across the country. By Willie N. Tokpah In

13/05/2026

CENTER FOR DISABILITIES RIGHTS INC.
Kpelleh Town, ELWA, Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia
Website: www.cedrlr.org Facebook: CEDRI TV Email: [email protected] WhatApp #: +231-777-087-987
May 12, 2026
OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
Dear His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia,
We extend heartfelt greetings and congratulations from the Center for Disabilities Rights Inc. (CEDRI-Liberia), and in our own names as advocates for disability rights in Liberia.
CEDRI-LIBERIA commends you for your leadership and foresight in supporting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Liberia. We recognize that the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia grants you the authority to appoint and dismiss officials at your will and pleasure.
However, CEDRI-LIBERIA has observed certain missteps and disservices affecting the disability community in Liberia.
Firstly, CEDRI-LIBERIA and the community of PWDs have repeatedly called upon your office to appoint an Advisor on Disabilities. Such an advisor would provide expert guidance on disability issues on a regular basis. This would ensure that you receive firsthand information on how PWDs can be factored into the national budget, growth, and development of the country. It would also help reduce, if not eliminate, street begging and poverty among PWDs including youth, women, children, students, and entrepreneurs with disabilities throughout Liberia.
Your office currently has advisors on legal, political, youth, and security matters, and recently appointed an advisor on entertainment. Therefore, we ask: what would it take to appoint an advisor on disabilities? The community of PWDs is ready to assist in the selection process if necessary. According to UNICEF’s 1997 report, PWDs make up approximately 16–20 percent of Liberia’s population.
Secondly, we bring to your attention the ongoing violation of the Act establishing the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD). Section 1 of the Act states:
“That from and immediately after passage of this Act, there shall be established in Liberia a National Commission on Disabilities as an autonomous agency which shall be headed by an Executive Director who shall be appointed by the Chief Executive, to be assisted by other officials who are all qualified disabled persons and/or specialists in the field of disabilities.”
Appointing Apst. Dr. Aaron Wright as Acting Executive Director of the NCD is a clear violation of this law. Our research shows that Acting Director Wright has neither worked in the field of disabilities nor is he a person with a disability or an expert in disability issues. His current role is his first engagement with the disability community.
CEDRI-LIBERIA therefore appeals to your office to remove Acting Director Wright with immediate effect. The disability community is not short of qualified professionals who can lead the Commission effectively and with expertise.
Thirdly, within five months of his appointment, Acting Director Wright has hired 10–12 non-disabled persons as consultants at the Commission, thereby denying PWDs employment opportunities. This is a direct insult to our professional colleagues who remain unemployed. Unemployment among PWDs is already very high, and the NCD should serve as a lifeline for them. Instead, Acting Director Wright has reportedly hired individuals from his church and foundation, paying them significantly more than their colleagues with disabilities, despite their lack of experience in disability issues.
Additionally, Acting Director Wright drafted a five-year National Strategic Plan (NSP) without consulting key stakeholders within the disability community. Even after its launch, organizations of PWDs have not received copies of his NSP. This violates the principle: “Nothing about us without us.”
Acting Director Wright has repeatedly claimed, “I am a son to the President,” implying that he cannot be dismissed. Mr. President, no one is above the law. His actions undermine the dignity of PWDs and erode trust in the Commission.
CEDRI-LIBERIA therefore calls upon your honorable office to appoint a qualified professional either a person with disability or an expert with proven experience in the field to replace Acting Director Wright. Only then can the disability agenda be achievable and meaningful for the community of PWDs in Liberia and for your ARREST Agenda to be possible.
Respectfully,

Signed: _________________________
CEDRI-LIBERIA
Country Director
Amb. Yasito G. Dahnkuan Sr

Approved: _______________________
Amb. Austine M. Baryo
Chief Executive Officer

“My Rights, Are My Dignity”

Uk

14/03/2026

Mr. President and Uncle,

I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me and in the entertainment industry. This is the very first time such an opportunity has been created for an Entertainment Ambassador within the Presidential Office of our country, and I assure you that we will deliver with excellence.

Mr. President, trust me—you have chosen one of the very best for this role. We will invest all our energy, creativity, and industry experience to build a strong foundation for the entertainment sector, transforming it into a powerful and resourceful hub that goes far beyond a single office or room.

Mr. President, selecting me from among thousands of talented entertainers reflects your vision to lead by example and to recognize the power of the creative industry. I am truly proud to accept this responsibility, and I promise to serve with dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to uplifting the youth and the entertainment community of Liberia.

Thank you once again for this historic opportunity.

Respectfully. 🙏🏾🇱🇷✨

09/03/2026

CEDRI Liberia’s Thoughts on the NCD Nationwide Assessment

Greetings to our distinguished members of the community of persons with disabilities and the publics. The Center for Disabilities Rights Inc. CEDRI Liberia bring you warm regards from the leadership of the Center for Disability Rights Inc. (CEDRI) Liberia.
On Sunday, the leadership of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) began a nationwide assessment across all fifteen counties of the Republic of Liberia. This initiative is, in principle, a commendable effort to engage communities, gather firsthand information, and understand how persons with disabilities are experiencing the work of the Commission.
However, what is deeply disappointing is the manner in which this assessment is being conducted. According to our sources, three teams were dispatched to the counties. Shockingly, only one person with a disability Mr. D. Charles Saypahn, Deputy Director for Technical Services is included among all the teams. The remaining members are individuals without disabilities and consultants brought in by the Executive Director. The exception is Mr. Peter B.K. Flomo, President of the National Union of Organizations for the Disabled (NUOD), who is part of the executive team led by Acting Executive Director Aaron Wright. Another team is led by Moses K. Godoe with Mr. Saypahn included, while the third team, controlled by Mohammed Sackor, has no persons with disabilities at all.
Why would the Commission send three teams composed almost entirely of non-disabled individuals, leaving those who should be at the forefront excluded from the process? Within the disability community, there is a well-known principle: “Nothing About Us Without Us.” Mr. Wright, since your appointment as Acting Executive Director, you have made too many missteps. CEDRI will not allow these missteps to go unchecked.
Firstly, the President’s appointment of you as head of the Commission violates Section One of the Act establishing the NCD. Secondly, Mr. Flomo should not mislead you into believing he controls the disability community in Liberia. We understand that he is on this two-week trip with a substantial allowance, and it is alleged that he receives a special salary arrangement from the Acting Director to shield his position from protest and criticism. CEDRI warns that Mr. Flomo cannot protect you from the voices of persons with disabilities in Liberia. He has lost relevance within the community and is now considered insignificant due to his pursuit of personal gain over the collective interest of persons with disabilities.
Mr. Director, with these actions, CEDRI will continue to hold press conferences, appear on radio programs, and use social media to expose you and your associates. CEDRI is profoundly disappointed in your leadership. While professionals with disabilities are struggling to find employment, you have chosen to hire eight non-disabled individuals as consultants. This is a disservice to our community and a slap in the face of our qualified colleagues.
CEDRI will no longer remain silent or allow these issues to be ignored.
www.cedrlr.org

01/03/2026

CEDRI Position on the Ongoing Issues within the Disability Community

The Center for Disability Rights Inc. (CEDRI) Liberia has been closely following recent developments within the disability community and wishes to state its position.
Firstly, CEDRI once again calls on the President of the Republic of Liberia to appoint an advisor on disability issues within the Office of the President. Additionally, CEDRI draws the President’s attention to the continuous violation of the Act that established the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), specifically Section One. This violation concerns the appointment of an Acting Executive Director who does not have a disability and has not worked in the field of disability. CEDRI is monitoring this matter with great interest.
Meanwhile, regarding our brothers and sisters who are considered “street beggars,” CEDRI does not support violence against any person or institution under any circumstances. We strongly condemn the incident that occurred at the Zone 4 Police Station involving some individuals with disabilities. At the same time, CEDRI also condemns the actions of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare for the manner in which they conducted themselves. We are following this issue with great concern.
On the matter of empowerment programs and funds, CEDRI believes that government ministries and agencies responsible should design new strategies to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs), rather than simply distributing money. In the past, funds have been given to PWDs in the name of empowerment, yet no significant improvements have been seen in their lives. The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, the National Commission on Disabilities, and the National Lottery should collaborate to develop coordinated strategies to address this problem once and for all.
Furthermore, CEDRI continues to call on the National Commission on Disabilities to provide a report on the President’s Christmas donation to the disability community, which amounted to 1.5 million Liberian Dollars and 900 bags of 25 kg rice. Despite repeated requests, CEDRI has yet to receive this report from the NCD.
CEDRI consistently advocates for transparency and accountability in all matters. Those who claim to uphold transparency must do so with integrity and clean hands.
www.cedrlr.org

10/02/2026

CEDRI OFFICIAL POSITION ON THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES NCD.
According to research conducted by the Center for Disabilities Rights Inc. (CEDRI) Liberia, CEDRI reported findings regarding Acting Executive Director Wright of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD). This is a summary of the research:
J. Aaron Wright, Sr. is a Liberian clergyman, Apostle, and community leader. He founded and led the Rebirth Liberia Movement, briefly ran for president in 2023, but withdrew to emphasize unity and peace. He has worked extensively in church development, community capacity building, and consultancy, with academic training from Northwestern Christian University in the U.S. In December 2025, he was appointed Acting Executive Director of Liberia’s National Commission on Disabilities. His background in community development and church-based capacity building aligns with inclusive work, but his most direct involvement with disabilities came through his leadership at the NCD
This indicates that Mr. Wright has had no significant prior engagement with issues affecting the community of persons with disabilities (PWDs), beyond providing handouts. However, the Center for Disabilities Rights (CEDRI) is deeply concerned about the Act that established the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), which states: Section 1: "From and immediately after the passage of this Act, there shall be established in Liberia a National Commission on Disabilities as an autonomous agency. It shall be headed by an Executive Director appointed by the Chief Executive, assisted by other officials who are all qualified disabled persons and/or specialists in the field of disabilities."
According to Section 1 of the Act, CEDRI strongly believe that the current Acting Executive Director of the Commission does not meet any of the two requirements to serve in that role, whether as Executive Director or Acting Executive Director. CEDRI is therefore drawing the attention of the President and the disability community to this violation of the Act that established the National Commission on Disabilities. CEDRI has also discovered that jobs intended for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are being given to non-disabled individuals by the Acting Executive Director. Meanwhile, PWDs are struggling to make ends meet, and graduates with disabilities who are more capable are forced to beg on the streets of Liberia, while positions meant for them are handed to non-disabled individuals at the National Commission on Disabilities under the watched of the acting Deputy Director for Administration.
CEDRI strongly condemns such actions by the Acting Executive Director and requests that these jobs be offered to qualified PWDs. We are speaking out against discrimination in the job market, yet within our own commission, people with disabilities are being denied opportunities by the Acting Executive Director.
This is CEDRI’s position on the appointment of the Acting Executive Director of the NCD.
www.cedrlr.org

23/01/2026

Center for Disability Rights Inc. (CEDRI) 2025 Annual General Report
Organizational Overview
During 2025, the Center for Disability Rights Inc. (CEDRI) made notable progress in strengthening its institutional foundation and advancing disability rights advocacy in Liberia. In May 2025, CEDRI was officially registered with the Government of Liberia as a non-for-profit organization. This achievement formally established the institution’s legal status and enhanced its capacity to engage with government entities, partners, and development stakeholders. In the same year, CEDRI constituted its Board of Members to provide leadership, governance, and strategic oversight. The Board members are:
• Dr. Julia Hartviksen
• Dr. Elizabeth Mills
• Akinsola Famakin
• Kathryn Duckenfield
• Moses Garsaynee Baryo
• Austine Moan Baryo
• Yasito I. G. Dahnkuan Sr.
CEDRI also officially secured her office space located opposite the ELWA Hospital Junction, which serves as the organization’s administrative and coordination office. To strengthen visibility and communication, the institution officially launched its website, www.cedrlr.org, providing a platform for advocacy updates, public information, and stakeholder engagement.
Advocacy, Media Engagement, and Accountability Actions
In 2025, CEDRI issued one official press release addressing critical issues affecting persons with disabilities (PWDs) and calling for more inclusive opportunities and equitable access to services. CEDRI also participated in a joint press statement with the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NOUD), the Pan African Disability Initiative (PADI), and the Union of Liberian Associations of the Deaf (ULASD). This statement condemned alleged police brutality against persons with disabilities during activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In August 2025, CEDRI uncovered and documented alleged misappropriation of vacation job opportunities reportedly allocated by the Ministry of Labor to the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NOUD). Findings indicated that the distribution of these job forms did not align with the stated objective of the program, which was intended to benefit students with disabilities.
According to information documented by CEDRI:
• The NOUD President, Mr. Peter B. K. Flomo, reportedly received one slot that was allegedly assigned to his son, Peter Flomo Jr.
• The Vice President for Administration, Mr. Melvin Harding, reportedly received one form that was allegedly given to an individual named Tenezee.
• One form was reportedly allocated to the NOUD driver, a person with no disability, despite the program being intended specifically for students with disabilities.
• Three forms were reportedly allocated to persons with disabilities who were already gainfully employed:
- Isaac, employed at Liberia Telecommunications Corporation
- Reuben, a teacher employed by the Ministry of Education
- Chris, employed at the African Methodist Episcopal University
These findings were documented as part of CEDRI’s mandate to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in programs intended for persons with disabilities.
Participation in Disability-Related Events
During 2025, CEDRI participated in several disability-related programs and commemorative events, including:
• World Wheelchair Day (March 2025)
• World White Cane Day (October 2025)
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 2025)
These engagements contributed to increased awareness of disability rights issues and strengthened collaboration with disability-focused organizations.
Engagement on the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD)
During 2025, CEDRI advocated for the release of a comprehensive report from the suspended Director, Mr. Samuel Dean, on the operations of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD). CEDRI called for accountability and transparency regarding issues affecting persons with disabilities prior to his suspension in December 2025. CEDRI further used this medium to acknowledge and appreciate the President of the Republic of Liberia for the decision to suspend the Director. The institution also formally called on the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a full audit of the National Commission on Disabilities under Mr. Dean’s leadership and to make the audit findings public, in order to enable appropriate action by the Executive Branch.
Challenges and Institutional Constraints
Despite these achievements, CEDRI faced significant challenges in 2025 due to limited financial resources. Funding constraints prevented the institution from carrying out several planned advocacy interventions. One notable case involved Mr. Junior Kollie, a teacher from Gbarpolu County who reportedly worked for the Ministry of Education but had not received salary payments after several years of service. Due to limited funds, CEDRI was unable to travel and fully advocate on his behalf. There are many similar cases affecting persons with disabilities across Liberia. However, limited financial and logistical capacity restricted the institution’s ability to respond effectively to all reported cases.
Funding Status and Call for Support
CEDRI received no donor or grant support during the 2025 calendar year. All administrative, operational, and advocacy activities were funded entirely through contributions from the institution’s founder. CEDRI respectfully calls on donors, grant-making institutions, and development partners to support its mission. With adequate funding, the institution will be better positioned to advocate effectively for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities throughout Liberia.
2025 Financial and Advocacy Yearly Report
Expenditure Summary
Date Source Purpose / Item Quantity Amount (USD)
29/04/2025 Founder’s Contribution Purchase of CEDRI registration documents from the Liberia Business Registry (Certificate of Business Registration – Non-Profit NGO & Articles of Incorporation) – 100.00
09/05/2025 Founder’s Contribution Transportation for follow-up to Liberia Business Registry (Sarah & Yasito) – 10.00
22/07/2025 Founder’s Contribution Transportation to submit CEDRI documents to the Independent National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning – 10.00
29/07/2025 Founder’s Contribution Press release expenses (media fees and transportation – OK FM 99.5, KOOL FM 91.9, TRUTH FM 96.1) – 65.00
16/08/2025 Founder’s Contribution Preparation of official CEDRI identification cards 2 25.00
22/08/2025 Founder’s Contribution Transportation for follow-up at Liberia Revenue Authority and Ministry of Labor – 5.50
08/12/2025 Founder’s Contribution Transportation to deliver letters to the Ministry of Labor and NOUD office – 5.50
Total Expenditure for 2025: USD 221.00

Signed and Prepared by: Center for Disability Rights Inc. (CEDRI)