Africa-Press – Liberia. The newly elected National Executive Director of the Coalition of Caregivers and Advocates for the Elderly in Liberia (COCAEL), Mr. Momo Allison Blanida, has expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the failure of the Liberian Senate to concur with the House of Representatives on the passage of the Act seeking to establish the “National Commission for the Elderly in Liberia” (NCEL).
Delivering remarks on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the United Methodist Compound in Monrovia, following the election and certification of new leadership, Mr. Blanida vowed to push for the bill’s passage in the Senate to ensure that Liberian seniors are protected, respected, and treated with dignity through national budgetary support and policy accountability.
He emphasized that the bill aims to address critical social protection gaps and protect the rights, dignity, and health of the elderly. The proposed Commission would oversee rehabilitation centers, provide vocational training, and ensure social reintegration for the elderly, addressing the current lack of care and vulnerability faced by this population. “Now, my major focus will be to expand collaboration and strategy with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that this dream is achievable,” he stated.
On August 20, 2021, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to establish a commission addressing the needs of Liberia’s elderly population. Since then, the bill—introduced by Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon, now Speaker—has languished in Senate committee rooms for over three years and awaits Senate concurrence before being sent to President Joseph N. Boakai for signature into law.
According to Section 4 of the bill, the functions of the Commission include accrediting and licensing institutions offering or planning to offer residential and community-based services to the elderly in Liberia after thorough assessment; approving the Commission’s fiscal budget in consultation with the Advisory Council and Executive Director; promoting and ensuring access to basic social services tailored to the needs of older persons in Liberia; and enhancing the safety, health, welfare, and quality of life for the elderly and their caregivers.
Since the passage of the bill, it has been forwarded to the Liberian Senate, where it is expected to be debated, and, when passed, will be forwarded to President Joseph N. Boakai for signature to become law after it is printed as a handbill by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Until these processes are met, it is not the law.
Mr. Blanida expressed frustration that the bill is currently before the Liberian Senate Committee on Health, headed by Grand Cape County Senator Debah M. Varpilah. He stressed that the bill’s purpose is to provide for the elderly and to protect and promote their well-being.
He noted that COCAEL has engaged the Senate Committee on Health through peaceful marches and petitions, but the committee has yet to fulfill its promise to pass the bill—an outcome he described as a disservice to the elderly community, many of whom are losing their lives daily due to neglect and frustration.
He reminded attendees that the NCEL Act seeks to establish a dedicated commission to provide comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and social protection for citizens aged 60 and above, with the goal of creating rehabilitation centers in all 15 counties, combating ageism, and improving the quality of life for Liberia’s senior citizens.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Ad Hoc National Election Commission of the Coalition of Caregivers and Advocates for the Elderly in Liberia held its election at the United Methodist Compound. The commission, chaired by Mr. Jeremiah S. Swen, included representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, civil society organizations, and others.
Candidates were elected by white ballot, including Mr. Momo Allison Blanida as National Executive Director; Mr. J. Togar Seekpee, 1st Deputy Director for Administration; and Rev. Khartouma Y. Grado-Harris, 2nd Deputy Director for Operations.
Also elected and certified were Mr. Albert Scott, General Secretary; Madam Ma-De Zoe Lake, Financial Secretary; Rev. J. Gardea Henry, Treasurer; Madam Esther J.S. Clorte, Program Coordinator; Mr. Sam O.E. Cole, Relief Director; and Mr. Nathaniel Jackson, County Coordinator.
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