Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray, Member of Parliament for Moyamba District and Public Relations Officer of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), has appealed for the decentralization of National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) identity card registration centers to chiefdom and sectional levels across Sierra Leone.
In a formal letter addressed to the Council of Paramount Chiefs, Hon. Mansaray highlighted the difficulties rural residents face in obtaining National Identity Cards, citing limited registration centers currently located predominantly at District Headquarters.
“I respectfully draw your attention to a pressing national concern,” Mansaray stated in a formal letter addressed to the council. He further stated; “There is an urgent need to decentralize the NCRA’s activities to chiefdoms and sections across Sierra Leone.”
According to the Mansaray, this centralization poses both financial and logistical challenges for citizens living in remote communities, who must travel long distances to register. He stressed that with the grace period for registration nearing its end underscored by public notices from the Office of National Security (ONS) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), many rural residents risk being excluded from access to essential services and civic participation due to their inability to reach the centers.
Hon. Mansaray reminded traditional authorities that the issue had previously been raised in Parliament, prompting assurances from the Director General of the NCRA to extend registration services across all chiefdoms and sections. This commitment, he noted, had also been endorsed by the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas. However, the MP expressed concern that several months had passed without visible progress.
“This commitment was not only made by the Director General,” Mansaray recalled, “but also endorsed by Speaker of Parliament Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, who urged MPs to give the NCRA time to fulfill its promise”.
He called on Paramount Chiefs to utilize their influence in advocating for immediate action, arguing that localized registration centers would greatly improve access and ensure equitable treatment of citizens regardless of where they reside.
“As custodians of the people’s welfare, you are well aware that your subjects cannot afford financial cost of travelling to District Headquarters,” Mansaray wrote. “I urge your esteemed council to present a strong and united front in demanding localized registration centers.”
The MP also copied his letter to the Ministry of Local Government, the Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, and the media, encouraging them to amplify the call for a more inclusive and accessible national registration process.
“I am confident that your collective voice will carry weight,” he concluded. “Together, we can ensure that every citizen regardless of location, has equal access to national identity registration.”
Hon. Mansaray emphasized that a coordinated effort by traditional leaders and supporting institutions could help guarantee that every Sierra Leonean has equal opportunity to secure a National Identity Card, in line with principles of fairness and national development.
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