Sierra Leoneans Concerned Over ID Deadline
Citizens in southern Sierra Leone are raising alarms about the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA)’s inadequate efforts to inform the public about the impending deadline to obtain national identification cards.
Abdulai J. Sillah, a prominent civil society activist, expressed deep disappointment with NCRA’s perceived neglect in raising awareness about this crucial national initiative. “The NCRA is failing the people of our nation. They have not sufficiently informed the public about their activities, which are pivotal for our country,” Sillah lamented.
He highlighted that many citizens remain unaware of the approaching deadline and the potential repercussions for failing to secure national ID cards. “People need clear information about the process—costs involved (145 leones) and the timeline for card issuance,” he stressed.
Sillah also criticized the persistent delays in obtaining birth certificates, another essential service managed by NCRA. “These delays are unacceptable, and imposing fees worsens the burden on citizens,” he added.
He urged NCRA’s leadership to ensure comprehensive information dissemination nationwide, noting shortcomings in their efforts to engage the public effectively. The concerns voiced underscored the urgent need for robust public awareness campaigns by government bodies like NCRA. Transparent communication is vital to ensure broad participation and equitable access to critical national programs such as ID card and birth certificate issuance.
With the deadline approaching, NCRA faces increasing pressure to enhance its outreach efforts or risk excluding large segments of the population from this significant civic process.
