By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
In a significant move aimed at improving access to civil registration services across Sierra Leone, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) held a high-level meeting with Paramount Chiefs from across the country on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The meeting took place at the NCRA’s new office located on Kingharman Road in Freetown.
The strategic engagement with traditional leaders, specifically the Paramount Chiefs, was intended to foster collaboration and support for the successful documentation of essential national records. These include national identity cards, as well as certificates for death, birth, marriage, and divorce, for both nationals and non-nationals residing in Sierra Leone.
According to Mohamed M. Massaquoi, Director General of NCRA, the initiative seeks to enhance the accuracy, protection, and management of national data, ensuring that the personal information of every Sierra Leonean is properly captured.
DG Massaquoi expressed his appreciation to the Paramount Chiefs for their participation, noting that their support and commitment are crucial to the success of the NCRA’s mission. He emphasized that since the establishment of the NCRA in 2016, the Paramount Chiefs have been instrumental in advancing the Authority’s objectives.
He also highlighted the legal importance of every Sierra Leonean securing the NCRA-recognized national identification card. DG Massaquoi stated that starting in October 2025, any citizen without the national ID card would be held accountable for not complying with the law.
“The registration of vital events is essential for accurate population data and for ensuring citizens’ access to key services,” DG Massaquoi said. “The national ID cards will be required for both public and private services, spanning sectors like education, banking, telecommunications, law, and employment.”
Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chiefs, Hon. PC Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama III, who is also the Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs (NCPC), praised the NCRA’s efforts in ensuring that all Sierra Leoneans obtain their national ID cards. He stressed that supporting national development is a key responsibility of the Paramount Chiefs and assured the NCRA of the NCPC’s continued cooperation in advancing the Authority’s mission.
“A national identity card is not a privilege but a right that every citizen should enjoy,” PC Fasuluku said. “Every Sierra Leonean must ensure they possess the NCRA ID card to access uninterrupted services nationwide.”
He also noted that the widespread use of the national ID card would extend across both public and private institutions, including banks, offices, and financial organizations, as well as for international purposes.
The engagement forms part of the NCRA’s broader strategy to decentralize civil registration services and promote community partnerships, with Paramount Chiefs playing a central role in advancing the national civil registration process in their respective chiefdoms across the country.