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ACC Indicts Former NRA Finance Manager Abu Kamara on Nine Counts of Unexplained Wealth

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on August 14, 2025 announced the indictment of Abu Kamara, a former Finance Manager at the Customs Department of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), on nine counts of Possession of Unexplained Wealth in violation of Section 27(1)(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended in 2019.

According to the ACC, Abu Kamara of No. 30 Peninsula Road, Ogoo Farm, Western Area, earned an annual net salary of Le 152,790 (new Leone) but allegedly accumulated assets far exceeding his lawful income between March 1, 2019 and June 31, 2025.

Investigations revealed that Abu Kamara acquired:

  • A registered company, UK Trading Mini Mart SL Ltd, with outlets in Ogoo Farm, Kobba Farm and along the Bo-Kenema Highway in Bo.
  • Five town lots at Gloucester Village purchased for Le 180,000.
  • Another five town lots at Gloucester Village purchased for Le 325,000.
  • A one-storey building and land at Black Johnson, Western Area.
  • A four-storey building and land at No. 8 Cemetery Road, Ogoo Farm.
  • A three-storey building under construction at Cemetery Road, Ogoo Farm.
  • A four-storey building at Babadorie Hills, Western Area.
  • A Nissan vehicle (Reg. No. APW 606) purchased for Le 60,000.
  • A white Hyundai Jeep (Reg. No. UMU 023) purchased for Le 300,000.

The ACC alleges that Abu Kamara could not provide lawful justification for those acquisitions which are “grossly disproportionate” to his legitimate earnings.

The Commission further disclosed that Abu Kamara is currently at large. In accordance with Section 89(7)(a) of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2019, the ACC intends to apply for his trial in absentia.

In its statement, the Commission reaffirmed its determination to combat corruption and safeguard public resources, urging members of the public to support efforts in promoting transparency and accountability.

Resolution 4 in Action… Government Clears 37 APC Members, Frees APC Sheriff & Co Under Presidential Pardon

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone has formally cleared 37 members of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of any criminal investigations, in line with Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) signed between the Government and the APC on October 18, 2023. The move, facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), is part of the ongoing implementation of Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU), signed on 18 October 2023 between the Government and the APC.

The announcement was made by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, following a decision taken on August 12, 2025, based on recommendations from the Resolution 4 Oversight Committee. According to the Committee’s findings, the listed individuals are not under any criminal probe and are free to resume their normal business and political activities without hindrance.

In a related development, President Julius Maada Bio granted a pardon to the last two APC members in custody, Alpha Sheriff popularly known as “APC Sheriff,” and Amadu Saidu Fofanah. Their release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing implementation of the ANU which aims to foster political reconciliation and national cohesion.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, Esq., confirmed that the cleared individuals include:

  1. Idrissa Hamid Kamara
  2. Insp Sullay Deen Sesay
  3. Victor Vandy Kamara
  4. Sgt Kanneh Thoronka
  5. Sgt Hassan Bruz Kamara
  6. Sgt Abubakarr Conteh
  7. Sheik Ibrahim Koroma (SIK)
  8. Rtd Captain Desmond Gebara
  9. Abdulai Mansaray (Rambo)
  10. Hassan N’Bompa Turay
  11. Sorie Conteh
  12. Alimamy Conteh
  13. Sheku Jalloh
  14. Ibrahim Jawara
  15. Foday Jalloh
  16. Ms Dankay Koroma
  17. Sorie Ibrahim Koroma (Street Ambassador)
  18. Sahr Kemokai
  19. Umaru Rahman (Gallon Pan)
  20. Mr Kumalo
  21. Ben Kamara
  22. Mohamed Bangura
  23. Idrissa Sesay
  24. Ibrahim Sulaiman Kabia
  25. Brima Kabia (BKT)
  26. Abdul Karim Kabia
  27. Muctarr Dawoh
  28. Salieu Mansaray
  29. Abdul Conteh
  30. Osman Kamara
  31. Lamin Sesay
  32. Noah Kabia
  33. Hon David Johnson
  34. Ibrahim Tarebo
  35. Cecelia Ngobeh
  36. Victor Luseni
  37. Sharka Gassimu

The pardon of APC Sheriff and Amadu Saidu Fofanah brings an end to their legal ordeal that began in 2023. Both men were convicted by High Court Judge, Adrian Fisher, under the National Security and Central Intelligence Act of 2023 and sentenced to five years in prison, with 22 months already served in pre-trial detention. They were the first to be convicted under the new legislation.

APC Sheriff was arrested in Bo on June 7, 2023, while campaigning alongside APC running mate Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah and charged with operating an unlicensed security company, possessing illegal firearms and concealing weapons. Prosecutors sought a 20-year sentence, citing national security risks, but his defense, led by lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, argued for leniency.

The case was further complicated by allegations of the pair’s involvement in the November 26, 2023, alleged attempted coup and prison break, during which APC Sheriff briefly escaped from Pademba Road Prison before being recaptured in Gloucester.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr described the day as one of “mixed blessings,” celebrating the dropping of charges against the 37 APC members, many of whom had been living in exile, while also marking the third anniversary of the death of Evangelist Samson, to whom she paid tribute.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to fully implementing the Agreement for National Unity, with further actions expected as part of the ongoing reconciliation process.

SLCAA DG Showcases Sierra Leone’s Aviation Progress at ICAO Global Summit in Durban

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), led by its Director General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, the youngest serving Civil Aviation Director General in the world, proudly represented Sierra Leone at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025, held in Durban, South Africa.

The two-day summit, themed: “The Flight Plan for Future Aviation Talent: Innovate, Educate, Inspire – Building the Workforce for the Skies Ahead”, brought together global aviation leaders, policymakers, educators and industry experts to tackle the urgent need for a skilled, inclusive and future-ready aviation workforce.

During a high-level panel on: “The Future of Work in Aviation: Adapting to Industry Transformation”, Madam Musayeroh Barrie emphasized the importance of attracting and empowering young people and women in the civil aviation sector. She urged African aviation bodies to move beyond rhetoric on empowerment and take concrete action, describing it as a “necessary cultural shift” for long-term sector growth.

She stressed the need for continuous learning, adaptability and the creation of work environments that encourage innovation among young professionals. Madam Musayeroh Barrie also called for regulatory and structural reforms to integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, while ensuring that digital solutions are tailored to communities’ literacy levels.

Highlighting Sierra Leone’s recent achievements, the SLCAA Director General cited the successful launch of the national carrier, Air Sierra Leone, which has boosted public interest and national pride. She also reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to expanding aviation training opportunities, promoting gender diversity and aligning national aviation strategies with ICAO’s NGAP framework.

“As the youngest Civil Aviation Director General in the world, I carry both the responsibility and the privilege of ensuring Sierra Leone’s aviation story is one of progress, inclusion and sustainability,” she told delegates. “The future of work in aviation is about people and Sierra Leone is committed to preparing our people for that future.”

Sierra Leone’s active participation in the ICAO NGAP Global Summit 2025 underscores its determination to play a leading role in shaping the future of African aviation, with a focus on safety, connectivity and growth.

Afrobarometer Survey Shows Rising Tolerance and Demand for Political Inclusivity in Sierra Leone

Recent Afrobarometer survey data from March–April 2025 reveal a growing public desire in Sierra Leone for political inclusivity and national unity. Large majorities of citizens now support cross-party collaboration over divisive politics and want Governments to promote regional and ethnic balance in political appointments.

This shift follows a turbulent early 2020s marked by rising ethnic and political tensions, including inflammatory rhetoric, violent protests and an attempted coup in November 2023. Those events contributed to Sierra Leone’s decline in the Global Peace Index in 2024, dropping from third to eighth place in Africa.

In response, a U.S.-backed Tripartite Committee, involving Government, opposition and UN representatives, brokered an “Agreement for National Unity” in 2024. Since then, tensions and political violence have lessened, inflammatory rhetoric has decreased, and the country’s peace ranking improved to fifth in Africa in 2025.

Reflecting this progress, Afrobarometer data show increased tolerance among citizens toward different ethnicities, religions and political parties, with a majority believing their ethnic group is fairly treated by the Government. Nonetheless, interpersonal trust remains low, indicating that further reconciliation and trust-building are needed.

While awareness of ongoing electoral reform efforts is limited among citizens, there is strong support for inclusive governance. Most Sierra Leoneans believe that political parties should welcome individuals from diverse regions, ethnicities and opposition groups into key Government roles, signaling broad public appetite for a more united and representative political landscape.

Parliament Passes National Country Planning Act 2025, Repealing 79-Year-Old Law

Dr. Turad Senesie

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a decisive move to modernize Sierra Leone’s growth agenda, Parliament has passed the National Country Planning Act 2025, sweeping aside the outdated Town and Country Planning Act of 1946 and ushering in a bold era of coordinated urban and rural development.

The landmark law, driven by Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, lays out a nationwide framework for physical planning aimed at sustainable growth, climate resilience and improved living standards.

“This landmark law will stand the test of time,” Dr. Turad Senesie declared after the vote, praising lawmakers and stakeholders for backing reforms that will turn Sierra Leone’s cities greener, safer and better equipped for the 21st century.

Key provisions of the Act include:

  • National planning framework to guide infrastructure, housing and public services.
  • Climate action priorities including disaster risk reduction, adaptation and mitigation.
  • Citizen participation in planning processes.
  • Stronger enforcement to ensure compliance.
  • Alignment with global goals like the SDGs, climate agreements and human rights standards.

The legislation also mandates continuous monitoring and review to keep development plans relevant and effective.

The National Country Planning Act 2025 becomes Dr. Turad Senesie’s third major legislative achievement since 2021, following the National Land Commission Act and the Customary Land Rights Act.

Other Parliamentary Business
During the same sitting, Parliament tabled key infrastructure and energy agreements, including:

  1. A Public-Private Partnership with Societe Djura Maritel Construction Ltd for the design, reconstruction, tolling, operation, and maintenance of the Mano Junction–Tongo–Bumpeh Road under a DFBOT model.
  2. A Stakeholder Engagement Report on the road project’s PPP financing by the Sierra Leone Roads Authority.
  3. The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (Mini-Grid) Regulations 2025.
  4. The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act 2025 (Act No. 13 of 2025).

With this bold legislative step, Sierra Leone is setting the stage for well-planned, climate-smart and inclusive development that could reshape the nation’s physical and economic landscape for decades.

ECOWAS Chair’s  Regional Tour Gains Momentum with Strong Côte d’Ivoire Support

His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, has on Monday, 11th August 2025 reaffirmed, alongside His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d’Ivoire, a strong commitment to bolstering the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and reviving the Mano River Union.

The pledge came during President Bio’s one-day working visit to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, part of his ongoing regional tour of ECOWAS Member States in his capacity as Chairman.

Following a closed-door meeting, President Alassane Ouattara hailed President Bio as a “close friend” and reiterated Côte d’Ivoire’s full support for his leadership of ECOWAS. While acknowledging the serious challenges facing the sub-region, President Alassane Ouattara expressed confidence in President Bio’s capacity to tackle them effectively. He also welcomed President Bio’s initiative to foster stronger ties between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

In his remarks, President Bio stressed that his regional tour is part of a broader mission to unite and strengthen ECOWAS. He cited the security concerns and the withdrawal of AES member states as major hurdles inherited upon assuming office, underscoring the importance of engaging with those nations to maintain cooperation.

“We must strive to keep close ties with AES nations and foster collaboration,” President Bio affirmed, adding that discussions with President Alassane Ouattara also centred on deepening regional integration and advancing institutional reforms to address pressing challenges.

President Bio further praised the people of Côte d’Ivoire for their steadfast support to Sierra Leone, particularly during its peacebuilding process, describing their solidarity as a cornerstone of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Information Minister Champions Global Citizenship and Signs MOU with AFS in New York

Chernor Bah

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, delivered a stirring keynote address at the 30th AFS Youth Assembly on August 9–10, 2025 in New York City, sharing his journey from war-affected child to national leader and urging young people to see adversity as a doorway rather than a wall.

Speaking to more than 700 young leaders from over 80 countries, Chernor Bah recalled that exactly 11 years ago, on the same date, he stood on the same stage as Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advocacy Group for the Global Education Initiative. “I told my story then of growing up in war of refusing to be silent and of believing that education could be the bridge from despair to peace,” he said.

He described Sierra Leone’s history as both rich and challenging, once known as the “Athens of West Africa” but later torn apart by conflict. Chernor Bah recounted his own childhood, marked by attending school to the sound of gunfire before being forced into exile. “Exile didn’t silence me,” he said. “Out of that darkness, I found my voice.”

The Minister warned that today’s young leaders face new threats; rapidly spreading misinformation, propaganda, climate change denial and manufactured division. “Yet the solution remains the same: education; education that teaches peace, citizenship and resilience against lies.”

Highlighting national progress under President Julius Maada Bio, Chernor Bah pointed to Sierra Leone’s investment of 22% of its national budget in education, the abolition of the death penalty, the decriminalization of abortion, free quality education and the “Feed Salone” initiative. “We have the youngest cabinet in African history, with over a third being women,” he noted.

Quoting President Bio, he added: “When I talk about Human Capital Development, I mean feeding the brain with education, feeding the tummy through agriculture and caring for the body through healthcare.”

Chernor Bah also outlined reforms in civic engagement, press freedom and governance transparency, including weekly press briefings in national languages, civic festivals and modernization of broadcasting. “Sierra Leone’s story proves that no country is too small and no history too broken, to build lasting peace through education,” he said.

The keynote coincided with a landmark moment for Sierra Leone at the Assembly. On August 10, during the closing ceremony of Sierra Leone’s side event, Minister Chernor Bah and Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes a strategic partnership two years in the making.

AFS Intercultural Programs, a century-old global non-profit present in over 60 countries is dedicated to fostering peace and justice through intercultural learning, education and exchange. The agreement will open opportunities for Sierra Leone’s young leaders, educators and students to participate in initiatives such as the AFS Global STEM Accelerators, the AFS Global STEM Educator program and the Effect+ for the Classroom initiative.

“This partnership is both deeply personal and nationally significant,” Chernor Bah said, recalling his long association with AFS since his youth advocacy days, including speaking at its centennial celebration in Paris in 2014. “AFS has been part of my own journey and now it will be part of Sierra Leone’s journey to develop a generation of confident, globally minded change-makers.”

Daniel Obst hailed the agreement as a milestone: “We are thrilled to partner with Sierra Leone in expanding access to transformative intercultural experiences. Together, we will ensure that young people gain the skills, networks and perspectives they need to tackle global challenges and lead in their communities.”

The MOU marks the beginning of an ambitious collaboration aimed at equipping Sierra Leone’s youth with the global competencies, leadership skills and civic values necessary to drive positive change both at home and internationally.

Algeria to Host Major Intra-African Trade Fair; Sierra Leone Prepares to Capitalize

From September 4 to 10, 2025, the Algerian capital will transform into the epicenter of African trade as it hosts the 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025). More than an economic gathering, the event symbolizes Algeria’s determined pursuit of its continental ambition and its readiness to play a leading role in Africa’s economic integration.

Following an extensive review of preparations, the fair has been recognized as a “work of projection and observation,” with organizers urged to intensify final arrangements. The IATF 2025 is set to go far beyond the scope of a conventional trade exhibition; serving as a platform to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promote tangible outcomes in trade facilitation, regional cooperation and economic diversification.

In a shifting global landscape, where Africa’s priorities are being redefined, hosting the fair in Algiers marks a strategic moment. For Algeria, it is both an opportunity to showcase its productive capabilities and a chance to align its economic vision with its longstanding diplomatic commitment to African unity. The event will highlight Algeria’s logistical expertise and political will, aiming to cement its role as a key driver of intra-African trade.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a staunch advocate of Pan-Africanism, has underscored the importance of solidarity, mutual support and the building of an Africa-driven growth model. His administration has mobilized all necessary resources from infrastructure and logistics to customs facilitation and media outreach to ensure the fair becomes a benchmark event for the continent.

The IATF 2025 resonates with Algeria’s historic legacy. Since independence, the country has championed African causes and supported liberation movements, a legacy that continues to shape its continental engagements. As the birthplace of the Organization of African Unity’s “Africa for Africans” declaration, Algiers is once again at the center of a vision for collective prosperity.

Experts estimate that the AfCFTA market is valued at over $3 trillion, making the fair a vital platform for economic integration and opportunity. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and other African leaders are expected to join policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs in what is being described as one of the continent’s most significant economic gatherings in recent years.

Sierra Leone will be among the participating nations, using the platform to strengthen its position in Africa’s evolving economic landscape. The country’s participation offers multiple strategic advantages:

  • Attracting Foreign Investment – By showcasing sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and energy, Sierra Leone aims to draw new international partnerships.
  • Expanding Export Markets – From cocoa and palm oil to artisanal products, local businesses will gain exposure to new buyers across Africa.
  • Building Regional Trade Links – Direct engagement with investors, business leaders and policymakers will help forge lasting trade relationships.
  • Empowering SMEs – Small and medium enterprises will benefit from networking, knowledge sharing and opportunities to scale up.
  • Aligning with AfCFTA Goals – Sierra Leone’s presence signals its commitment to the vision of a unified African market.

For Sierra Leone, the IATF 2025 is more than symbolic; it is a calculated step toward economic diversification, industrial growth and regional leadership. Its participation will stand as a testament to the nation’s resilience, strategic foresight and shared belief in Africa’s collective future.

Preparing to host this landmark event, Algiers will see the week-long fair reaffirm the continent’s commitment to economic convergence; rooted in history, unity and a shared ambition for prosperity.

Vice President Applauds GeoPartners & BGP Crew for Groundbreaking Offshore Oil Exploration Results

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, representing His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, currently on an ECOWAS mission, attended a farewell ceremony for the BGP Vessel crew and the GeoPartners team. The event marked the successful completion of a landmark offshore 3D seismic survey for oil and gas exploration, conducted in partnership with the Petroleum Directorate.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended the team for delivering promising survey results, which he described as “a significant anchor for Sierra Leone’s energy security objectives and a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.”

“On behalf of the President, I thank GeoPartners, BGP and F.A. Oil Limited for this seminal work and the successful collaboration with the Petroleum Directorate,” the Vice President stated. “This is a major step toward accelerating oil and gas exploration and positioning Sierra Leone as a new investment destination in this sector. Sierra Leone is indeed ready for business. Bravo to the Petroleum Directorate for pulling this off.”

The 3D seismic survey, Sierra Leone’s first in over a decade, was launched in early June 2025 by global geotechnical services firm GeoPartners. The project, implemented in partnership with the Petroleum Directorate, utilized the seismic vessel BGP Prospector over a six-week period, followed by advanced processing to better define the depth and volume of potential hydrocarbon deposits.

Jim Gulland, Director and Founder of GeoPartners, expressed optimism about the results: “We are confident this new survey will provide unparalleled insights into the subsurface, significantly enhancing Sierra Leone’s exploration potential and accelerating the pursuit of commercial hydrocarbon discoveries.”

Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, Foday Mansaray, expressed gratitude to President Bio for his leadership and for creating opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans to serve in the sector. He revealed that the survey had originally been scheduled for 2029 but was brought forward after his team convinced FA Oil to proceed earlier. GeoPartners Limited, a UK-based seismic company, was engaged for the work and subcontracted BGP Exploration, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum.

Foday Mansaray explained that several Sierra Leoneans were trained, including geophysicists and petroleum engineers, in preparation for the industry’s growth. He stated that the seismic exploration targeted Sierra Leone’s basin, believed to hold 30 billion barrels of oil, with FA Oil holding 10 billion barrels in its plots. If confirmed, he stressed, this could have a direct and transformative impact on the economy. The summary results are expected within six weeks, with the full data report anticipated in eight to twelve months.

The advanced 3D seismic technology deployed aboard the BGP Prospector not only collected critical subsurface data but also elevated the quality and precision of hydrocarbon reservoir identification. This capability reduces exploration risks, increases investor confidence and strengthens Sierra Leone’s position on the global energy map.

Industry observers view the success of the survey as a testament to the value of partnerships between local regulatory bodies and international industry leaders. GeoPartners’ collaboration with the Petroleum Directorate is seen as a model of how global expertise can align with national development goals while ensuring responsible resource management.

Beyond its technical achievement, the project represents a shift toward a more data-driven and methodical approach to petroleum exploration in Sierra Leone. The detailed subsurface imaging gathered will guide upcoming drilling campaigns, inform policy and regulation and serve as a key tool for negotiating oil and gas contracts.

As global energy markets continue to evolve, the conclusion of this 3D seismic campaign signals Sierra Leone’s readiness to expand its role in the sector. With a focus on energy security, economic diversification and responsible resource use, the country is positioning itself to leverage its hydrocarbon resources for long-term national prosperity.

The farewell to the BGP Prospector crew is thus more than a ceremonial send-off; it marks a strategic milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward becoming a significant player in the regional and global energy landscape.

NCRA Intensifies Drive for Biometric ID Card Registration Ahead of August 31 Deadline

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) is stepping up efforts to ensure every citizen and resident of Sierra Leone secures a biometric ID card before the August 31, 2025 deadline.

More than just a plastic document, the biometric ID card, embedded with a unique National Identification Number (NIN), is a vital legal instrument required to access key public and private services across the country. From banking and education to employment and Government benefits, it serves as official proof of identity recognized by the Government, financial institutions and service providers.

Speaking on Liberty Online TV’s Breakfast Show on August 7, 2025, NCRA Director of Communications, Abu Bakarr Javombo, detailed ongoing initiatives to reach every part of the nation. Mobile registration teams have been deployed to remote communities to complement district offices, ensuring wider access to the registration process.

“The Government set this deadline to streamline access to services such as passport issuance, SIM card registration, bank accounts and public sector jobs,” Abu Bakarr Javombo explained. “While many have already registered, a significant number of citizens and residents remain to be covered and we are committed to leaving no one behind.”

The biometric ID card incorporates advanced security features, including fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, to strengthen national security and combat identity fraud. The NIN acts as a legal identifier that links personal records across multiple Government and private systems, facilitating accurate verification and efficient service delivery.

Abu Bakarr Javombo acknowledged that connectivity issues and data discrepancies have caused some delays but assured the public that corrective measures are being implemented. The cost of obtaining the biometric ID card remains affordable, with a small additional fee in remote areas to cover logistics, all of which is deposited into the Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

In collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police and the Office of National Security (ONS), the Government has launched Operation Stop & Check, a campaign to conduct random biometric ID card verifications nationwide. National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker and Police Inspector General William Fayia Sellu have warned that strict enforcement will follow after the August 31 deadline, including denial of police clearance certificates and other critical services for those without valid IDs.

NCRA Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, has urged citizens and residents to register without delay, noting that fees will increase after the deadline to cover rising production costs.

Launched by President Julius Maada Bio, the biometric ID card system is a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s national security strategy and a key tool in reducing fraud while improving service delivery. Possession of a valid biometric ID card is now mandatory for full participation in civic life, including access to healthcare, education, financial services and Government programs.

As the August 31 deadline draws closer, authorities are urging all eligible citizens and residents to obtain their biometric ID card to avoid penalties and ensure seamless access to vital services.

Why Every Citizen Needs a Biometric ID Card

  • Legal Identification: Confirms official identity details including name, birthdate, nationality and NIN.
  • Access to Public Services: Required for healthcare, education, pensions and social benefits.
  • Voting Rights: Essential for voter verification and election integrity.
  • Travel and Security: Facilitates travel within regional blocs and quick verification by security agencies.
  • Financial Transactions: Mandatory for banking, mobile money and fintech under Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
  • Digital Integration: Enables secure online transactions and e-Government services via biometric data.
  • Fraud Prevention: Helps combat identity theft, illegal immigration and fraudulent claims.

The biometric ID card is more than a formality; it is a gateway to rights, protections and essential services that form the foundation of modern civic life in Sierra Leone.

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