By Ibrahim Sesay
The Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, has pledged a more efficient, inclusive and technology-driven civil registration service in 2026, assuring citizens that “no Sierra Leonean will be left behind” as the country advances toward a fully documented population.
In a New Year message delivered on behalf of the Authority’s leadership and staff, Massaquoi expressed deep gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for the continued trust placed in the NCRA to spearhead one of the Government’s most critical governance pillars — identity management and civil registration.
“As the first light of 2026 dawns on our beloved nation, I am filled with profound gratitude,” he said. “I am thankful to His Excellency the President for granting me the privilege to serve and help drive the transformative ‘Big Five’ Game Changers agenda.”
The NCRA Director General lauded staff working across the country as the backbone of the reform process, noting that many of them continue to operate under difficult field conditions to ensure accuracy in recording vital events.
“To my dedicated NCRA colleagues, you are the true heartbeat of this institution,” he said.
He praised their professionalism and patience in dealing with thousands of walk-in applicants daily, recording births and deaths, certifying marriages, and registering citizens and residents.
“You are the quiet architects of trust between the State and its people,” Massaquoi emphasized. “Every accurate record you create is a brick in the edifice of good governance, social protection and national planning.”
Massaquoi extended appreciation to citizens and residents who continue to engage with the NCRA — even when systems are slow or when long distances make access challenging.
“Your trust is the greatest endorsement of the reforms we are delivering together,” he stated, adding that the Authority remains committed to improving customer service and expanding access nationwide.
He reiterated that a functional national registry is key to electoral integrity, targeted social programmes, justice administration, and economic inclusion.
Outlining the institution’s priorities for the year, Massaquoi announced a renewed commitment to strengthening national identity systems and enhancing service delivery across the country.
Key priorities include:
- Faster and more reliable service delivery at all touchpoints
- Digitisation of processes for greater accuracy and accessibility
- Increased presence in remote and underserved communities
- Unwavering institutional integrity from frontline staff to management
“With our national mandate, we will build on the momentum,” he assured. “We will move closer to our shared dream: a Sierra Leone where every life is counted and no one is left behind.”
The NCRA Chief described full national documentation as the “bedrock of a modern, prosperous, and equitable Sierra Leone,” and reaffirmed his commitment to building a system where every citizen can claim their rights and opportunities.
He wished all Sierra Leoneans peace, health, and progress in the year ahead.
“May every Sierra Leonean feel seen, counted and valued,” he concluded. “Together, we will secure our gains and build a dignified, well-documented Sierra Leone destined for greatness.”
