On Friday 9 September 2022, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) issued a public notice, stating that there attention has been drawn to attempts being made by some Sierra Leoneans to present fake Identity Documents (Birth Certificates, NCRA Citizenship and Registration Certificates. etc.) that are among other credentials required by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (EC-SL) to register as Voters.

NCRA went on to inform the general public that it has engaged the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone on these attempts and has committed itself to supporting the Electoral Commission with the verification of Identity Certificates originating from the Authority.

“Accordingly, the general public is hereby informed that the Authority will continue to verify Identity Credentials presented for either Voter Registration or other purpose (s) from its Identity Management System (IDMS) holding records on citizens and other residents. Following which, the Electoral Commission or any Institution seeking such verification, will be duly informed about the outcome of every verification for appropriate action,” the Authority stated.

The public is further reminded that any attempt to manipulate personal identification records covering all age brackets will be tracked and it is a criminal offence to give false or misleading information for Registration pursuant to Section 65 (3) of the NCR Act, 2016.

Below are some of the fake credentials: