By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a historic recognition of his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) has appointed the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, as Disability and Inclusion Ambassador.
The appointment, formally conveyed in a letter dated October 21, 2025, celebrates Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s exceptional leadership in providing free National Identification Cards (National IDs) to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Sierra Leone, particularly in the Western Area. That initiative, which waived all fees and utilized mobile registration units, has significantly enhanced accessibility and promoted dignity for citizens with disabilities.
According to NCPD’s Executive Secretary, Saa Lamin Kortequee, the NCRA’s actions reflect exemplary inclusivity. “Your work enhances the legal identities of our compatriots with disabilities,” he wrote, commending the Director General’s pioneering role in removing barriers that hinder PWDs from accessing vital services.
The recognition followed a landmark event at the NCRA Headquarters on King Harman Road in Freetown, where the institution handed over National ID cards to 120 PWDs drawn from Pademba Road, Wilberforce Street and the House of Jesus communities. The ceremony was graced by representatives from UNICEF, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs and the NCPD.
The initiative, aligned with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction Agenda, underscores the Government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive national development and equitable access to social and economic opportunities.
During the handover, DG Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi reaffirmed NCRA’s dedication to ensuring no Sierra Leonean is left behind in the country’s progress. “This appointment reinforces our shared commitment to equity. National IDs are essential for PWDs to access banking, healthcare, education and other public services,” he said. “These IDs are vital tools for empowerment and inclusion.”
NCPD Chairman, Brima Abdulai Sheriff, extended profound gratitude on behalf of the Commission and the disability community to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the NCRA Management. He hailed the initiative as a bold step in restoring dignity and expanding opportunities for PWDs nationwide.
“Restoring the dignity of persons with disabilities is not just a human rights issue; it is a matter of national development and governance,” Chairman Brima Abdulai Sheriff remarked. “Any Government truly committed to development must address the needs and welfare of its disability community.”
He added that the initiative aligns with NCPD’s PRIDE Strategy — a guiding framework designed to advance empowerment, inclusion and representation of PWDs. Commending DG Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s proactive leadership, he declared him Disability and Inclusion Ambassador, acknowledging his consistent advocacy for equal opportunity.
Recipients of the National IDs expressed deep appreciation to the Government, NCPD and NCRA for the life-changing initiative. A member of the House of Jesus community said, “These ID cards open doors to services we have long struggled to access. We feel valued and included in our nation’s development.”
The event concluded with renewed commitments from all stakeholders to extend the initiative nationwide, ensuring that PWDs across Sierra Leone enjoy equal access to identification and public services.
The NCRA’s continued collaboration with partners such as UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Welfare reflects its strategic vision to achieve universal ID coverage; a cornerstone of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030).
Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi reaffirmed his institution’s mission: “Through partnerships and innovation we are building a system that guarantees every Sierra Leonean’s right to identity, dignity and inclusion.”
This appointment not only honors DG Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s dedication but also symbolizes Sierra Leone’s collective progress toward an inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of ability, is recognized, respected and empowered.
