26th April 2026, Freetown —
Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray, Member of Parliament for Moyamba District, has issued a compelling open letter addressed to the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), calling for immediate action to fulfill previous commitments aimed at decentralizing civil registration services across Sierra Leone. The letter draws attention to the persistent challenges citizens, especially those in rural chiefdoms, face in accessing national identity cards — a fundamental document necessary for participation in many facets of modern life.
Sierra Leone’s National Civil Registration Authority initiated an extensive registration campaign in 2025, urging all eligible citizens from age 12 and above to register for their national identity cards with a mandatory deadline set for August of that year. This registration drive was further underscored by strong endorsements from the Inspector General of Police and the Office of National Security, highlighting the critical role national identification plays in enhancing security, streamlining planning, and facilitating access to essential government services.
While the nationwide campaign demonstrates commendable intent, it has been hampered by logistical oversights that have made it difficult for many Sierra Leoneans—particularly those residing in remote and rural chiefdoms—to participate fully. Registration centres were predominantly located at district headquarters, locations that often require citizens to travel long distances over rough terrain and without adequate transport infrastructure. This situation presents significant financial and practical burdens on some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
Responding to these pressing concerns, Hon. Mansaray raised the matter in Parliament under Standing Order 23, seeking clarification and action plans from the NCRA to ensure equitable access to registration services nationwide. During the Director General’s parliamentary appearance, assurances were made to address the accessibility gaps by deploying roving mobile registration teams or establishing permanent registration centres within chiefdoms. These commitments are aligned with Section 13 of the NCRA Act, which explicitly mandates that registration services should be accessible to all citizens.
Following this parliamentary exchange, Hon. Mansaray engaged further with traditional authorities, notably appealing to the Council of Paramount Chiefs to collaborate and exert influence in ensuring the Authority fulfills its mandate. Reportedly, constructive discussions took place between Paramount Chief Fasuluku and the NCRA, raising public expectations for tangible progress toward decentralization.
Despite promises and consultations, the anticipated improvements remain largely unrealized. Citizens in numerous chiefdoms still face substantial obstacles in registering for and collecting their national identity cards. This lack of progress is particularly troubling, considering Sierra Leone’s estimated population of approximately eight million people, many of whom remain disenfranchised.
In addition to geographical access issues, procedural inefficiencies also compound the problem. Notably, even after registration, citizens must endure wait times of up to two weeks to collect their identity cards—a delay that undermines the prompt provision of crucial documentation. In an era marked by rapid technological innovation, such operational bottlenecks expose weaknesses in administrative systems that demand urgent modernization.
National Identity Cards serve as more than mere proof of citizenship; they are gateways to a host of vital services and rights. From opening bank accounts and accessing telecommunications, to exercising voting rights and participating in national security frameworks: possession of an ID card is indispensable. The inability of millions to secure these documents effectively marginalizes them from full societal participation.
Given this context, Hon. Mansaray’s public appeal calls for decisive and immediate remedies, including:
- Establishing permanent registration centres at the chiefdom level to bring services closer to citizens.
- Deploying efficient and adequately resourced mobile registration units targeting underserved remote areas.
- Leveraging modern technologies to significantly reduce turnaround time for issuance and collection of identity cards.
- Ensuring no Sierra Leonean is disenfranchised due to lack of physical or procedural access.
The open letter serves as a crucial reminder to the NCRA and other stakeholders of their responsibilities in delivering a truly accessible and efficient civil registration system. It underscores the urgency of transforming good intentions and verbal commitments into concrete actions that can enhance governance, social inclusion, and national development.
Hon. Mansaray expresses hope that the Director General and the NCRA will prioritize these reforms and work collaboratively with government agencies, traditional leaders, and communities to overcome the longstanding barriers faced by many Sierra Leoneans. The letter is also copied to key national figures, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Minority Leader, the Chairman of the NCRA Board of Directors, the Director of the Office of National Security, and the Inspector General of Police, signaling broad oversight and accountability for progress.
As Sierra Leone continues to strive toward inclusive growth and improved service delivery, ensuring universal access to national identity registration remains a foundational step—one that demands urgent and sustained action.
