By Francess Wright
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has rolled out a special registration exercise aimed at providing free national identification cards to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The initiative seeks to improve inclusion and ensure equal access to essential public services across Sierra Leone.
The registration drive was formally launched on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the NCRA headquarters in Freetown, where Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi supervised the deployment of a mobile registration team. The team is tasked with covering three major disabled communities, Pademba Road, ECOWAS Street and House of Jesus, following appeals from community leaders who emphasized the financial challenges PWDs face in paying the standard SLL 145 fee.
“This is not just about issuing ID cards; it is about recognizing the rights and dignity of every citizen,” Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi stated. “Access to identification is a gateway to healthcare, education, financial services and mobile connectivity.”
During the pilot phase, 120 PWDs successfully completed the process and received ID cards free of charge, supported by Government funding and key partnerships. Many beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention. Sinneh Conteh, a resident of Pademba Road, remarked, “For years, many of us have lived without proper identification. Today, thanks to the Government and NCRA, we now have access to services that others take for granted.”
Officials highlighted that the initiative will not only enhance the welfare of PWDs but also contribute to strengthening national security and accelerating Sierra Leone’s digital transformation. According to NCRA, lessons from this pilot phase will guide the expansion of the program to other underserved groups in the near future.
By addressing long-standing barriers faced by vulnerable communities, the initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to equity, inclusion and the broader goals of national development.
