Sierra Leone has recorded a major national milestone as the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), under the leadership of its Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, deepens efforts to protect the country’s identity ecosystem and curb the rising threat of document fraud. In a move widely praised by citizens and partners, the NCRA this week sealed a significant partnership with the Government of Canada aimed at strengthening civil registration systems and boosting national security.
The collaboration introduces advanced training and technical support to the Authority, equipping staff with the skills to detect fraudulent documents and block criminal networks that use fake birth certificates, altered records and forged identification for illegal activities, including trafficking, theft and irregular migration. Canadian experts, led by Ms. Jennifer O’Connell, conducted capacity-building sessions for frontline and technical personnel, marking what officials describe as a “new era of identity protection” in Sierra Leone.
Identity fraud has long posed serious risks to national stability, undermining trust in official documents and exposing the country to international scrutiny. Fake IDs have enabled criminals to evade law enforcement, compromised immigration systems and damaged Sierra Leone’s global reputation. Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, fully aware of these dangers, has declared a stringent crackdown on fraudulent documentation, emphasizing that safeguarding identity information is paramount to safeguarding the country itself.
One of the notable benefits of the Canada–NCRA partnership is the localization of biometric enrolment services for Canadian visa applicants. For the first time, Sierra Leoneans will be able to submit fingerprints and other biometric data in Freetown, eliminating the need to travel to Guinea or Ghana. This development is expected to save citizens significant costs and time, while demonstrating international confidence in the reforms being implemented by the NCRA.
In a further step toward strengthening national identity integrity, the NCRA has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) will soon be mandatory for all passport applications. This policy, officials say, will ensure that anyone receiving a Sierra Leonean passport has a verified and authentic identity. The measure aligns with global standards and is expected to elevate the credibility of Sierra Leone’s passport on the international stage.
Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi has consistently stated that his aim is to “lay a firm foundation for a secure and credible national identity system.” The recent partnership and the broader reforms being rolled out by the NCRA demonstrate steady progress toward that vision. Those efforts enhance transparency, reinforce national security and protect citizens from exploitation.
As Sierra Leone continues its march toward a modernized identity management framework, the leadership and commitment displayed by Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi have earned notable public and institutional recognition. His drive to strengthen the system, restore public trust and position Sierra Leone as a regional example of identity security has led many to describe him as a true national asset.
For his vision, determination and results-driven reforms Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi is acknowledged as a genuine gem for Sierra Leone; championing a safer, stronger and more credible future for every citizen.
