Liberia's Journey to Inclusion: From Silence to Sign Language at State Events
When President Joseph Boakai delivered his first State of the Nation Address in 2024, Alfred Sumoiwuo was in a painful situation. He followed the SONA on Spoon TV but could not understand what was being said because there were no sound interpreters.
“Interpreters were supposed to be there to help us understand what the president was saying, but sadly, this was never the case," Alfred said.
Alfred's story resonates with Adrian Sandi, deputy director for technical service at the National Commission on Disability (NCD), who found himself in a painful predicament. Seated in the audience in 2022, Sandi could see President Weah’s speech but couldn't understand a word of it. His aid, who could have interpreted, had been turned away at the entrance for lacking an invitation.
The scene painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by people with hearing impairments. Despite having 11 sign language interpreters available in the country, none were present at one of the nation's most consequential annual events. For the hearing impairment community in attendance, the president's message, which typically outlines crucial policy directions and national achievements, remained locked behind an invisible barrier.
Even sitting next to his director, who attempted to write down key points, the experience fell far short of proper accessibility. "My director and I were seated right next to each other and so whatever they said, she would try to write it down and show it to me and read, but that was not enough; I think a sound language interpreter would have helped greatly."
"It burns me because people with hearing impairments too are Liberians and should not be treated as they are in a different world," said Flomo, expressing the deep frustration felt by the people with hearing impairments. "Not because of their ear problem; you try to lock the door in front of them. When I say lock the door on them, I mean a hearing loss person can come and sit here, and you will say all the best things about them, but when there is no one to relate to them, then there is a problem."
Peter Flomo is the National Vice President for Administration for the National Union Organization for Disabled.
But 2025 has brought notable change. The government's decision to include sign language interpretation at this year's State of the Nation Address signals a broader shift toward inclusivity in public events. This transformation extends beyond high-profile political gatherings—a recent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights conference at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex featured four interpreters, allowing hearing loss participants to engage.
The conference, organized by a coalition of 10 civil society organizations under the "Amplifying Rights Network," marked the largest gathering of sign language interpreters at a public event since the initiative began.
The presence of four local interpreters—one female and three males—over the three-day event (May 26-28, 2023) created an unprecedented level of accessibility and engagement.
The progress extends to other significant national events as well. During the signing of the revised Farmington River Declaration on April 5, 2023—a crucial commitment by political parties to non-violence and judicial means of resolving electoral conflicts—a sign language interpreter was present throughout the entire ceremony. Similarly, the official celebration of Liberia's 200th Bicentennial in 2022 incorporated sign language interpretation, marking a significant departure from past practices.
Looking ahead, the NCD has ambitious plans to expand its interpreter training program and place sign language professionals across government ministries, agencies, and hospitals. The initiative aims to ensure Liberians with hearing impairments can access public services and participate in national discourse without barriers.
Emphasizing the importance of having interpreters available in various government institutions. "We have sound language interpreters in Liberia, but do they know how to sign? We want to be able to train them so they can be able to address the issues," said Samuel Dean.
The progress in recent months reflects a growing recognition that effective communication access is not just about physical presence—it is about ensuring every Liberian can fully participate in their democracy, regardless of disability. The transformation from the frustration of the 2024 State of the Nation Address to the more inclusive practices of 2025 demonstrates how advocacy and awareness can lead to meaningful change.
As Liberia continues to bridge its communication gaps, the increased presence of sign language interpreters at public events serves as a powerful reminder that true democracy requires the participation of all citizens. The country's efforts to include marginalized groups in national discourse not only benefit the hearing impairment community but strengthen the fabric of Liberian society as a whole.
For Adrian Sandi and others in Liberia's hard-of-hearing community, these changes represent more than just improved accessibility; they symbolize a growing recognition of their right to full participation in national life. As the country moves forward, the presence of sign language interpreters at public events has become not just an accommodation but a symbol of Liberia's commitment to building a more inclusive democracy.
