By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a noteworthy show of Sierra Leone’s progress in civil registration and identity management, a 20-member presidential delegation from the Republic of The Gambia arrived in Freetown to learn from the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA). This visit highlights the success of President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, under which Sierra Leone’s advancements in modernizing civil registration have garnered international interest.
The high-profile meeting, held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the NCRA’s newly established headquarters on King Harman Road, was spearheaded by Sierra Leone’s Director General of the NCRA, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi. The Gambian delegation, comprising key officials, came to understand Sierra Leone’s approach to Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), digital identity management and the development of national infrastructure aimed at enhancing governance and service delivery.
In his welcoming remarks, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi expressed gratitude for the collaboration, crediting the transformative support from President Bio, the central Government and international partners in modernizing the NCRA. This collective backing, he noted, has enabled Sierra Leone to make strides in digitalizing civil records, establishing a national identity card system and expanding the citizen database, an effort that strengthens governance and improves access to public services.
The discussions also underscored the robust “political will” that the NCRA has enjoyed under President Bio’s administration, which, according to Director General has been critical to its success. He highlighted the NCRA’s role in establishing transparent, credible systems that have earned respect across the continent. This dedication has not only benefited Sierra Leone but has also set a standard, drawing interest from neighboring countries eager to emulate its achievements.
During the session, the NCRA’s Director of ICT, Mr. Kallon, provided an overview of the institution’s journey, achievements and challenges. His presentation emphasized advancements in record digitization, the deployment of a national ID card system and ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive national coverage.
The Gambian delegation expressed strong interest in the technologies and data collection methods employed by the NCRA, acknowledging Sierra Leone’s progress in establishing a reliable identity framework.
One critical area of discussion was Sierra Leone’s “Tripartite Agreement,” which allows the NCRA to manage voter identity cards used by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) during elections. This arrangement, supported by various national stakeholders, including the Government, political parties, civil society and development partners, ensures that electoral processes are backed by a credible and impartial identity management system.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to foster cooperation and shared expertise. Both Sierra Leone and The Gambia committed to exploring ongoing technical support and potential joint initiatives in civil registration and identity management. The collaboration aligns with Sierra Leone’s ambition to establish itself as a regional leader in modern identity management, viewed as essential for socio-economic development, governance enhancements and equitable access to social services.
As Sierra Leone continues to lead in these domains, the NCRA, under Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s leadership, exemplifies a transparent, accountable and forward-thinking approach that promises to elevate the nation’s standing in Africa and beyond.
