BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a recent government press briefing held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Freetown, Mohamed Massaquoi, the Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), highlighted the significant impact of citizen and non-citizen registration on combating financial crimes. Massaquoi underscored the pivotal role of the Multi-purpose National Identity Card in tracking tax defaulters, identifying taxpayers, and reducing criminal transactions in the financial sector.
Massaquoi emphasized the tangible benefits citizens and non-citizens alike derive from the Multi-purpose National Identity Card, asserting that it safeguards individuals from engaging in illicit financial activities. He affirmed the commitment of the NCRA to uphold diligence in its operations, citing international recognition of the authority’s efforts.
As part of ongoing reforms, Massaquoi disclosed the NCRA’s collaboration with the National Revenue Authority (NRA) to enhance tax compliance measures. By providing the NRA with access to identify tax defaulters, the NCRA has contributed to curbing revenue losses resulting from tax evasion.
The Director General highlighted the visit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to various countries, including the Netherlands, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Nigeria, where the NCRA’s reforms, particularly the implementation of the Multi-purpose National Identity Card, garnered praise and interest. Massaquoi stressed the card’s role in supporting government initiatives such as Free Quality School Education and Feed Salone by providing accurate data for national development projects.
Reflecting on past inadequacies, Massaquoi acknowledged that citizens lacked access to quality Multi-purpose National Identity Cards for over a decade before the current administration addressed this issue in less than ten years. He underscored the card’s robust security features designed in compliance with ECOWAS, AU, and UN standards, making it resistant to forgery.
Massaquoi concluded by noting the decentralization of ID card issuance across districts, facilitating accessibility for residents in provincial cities. This decentralized approach aims to protect individuals from property disputes and mitigate corruption claims, thereby fostering transparency and accountability within the society.
The NCRA’s efforts underscore a concerted commitment to leveraging technology and administrative reforms to combat financial crimes, enhance governance, and foster national development in Sierra Leone.
