The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) successfully handed over National Identity Cards to approximately 120 persons with disabilities from Pademba Road, Wilberforce Street, and House of Jesus communities during a ceremony at the Authority’s Headquarters on King Harman Road.

The event, attended by key stakeholders including UNICEF, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), marked a significant step toward inclusive national development, aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s priority to ensure all citizens, especially those facing physical and financial challenges, are included in Sierra Leone’s progress.

Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi led the event, emphasizing the importance of National IDs in enabling access to essential services, including banking, healthcare, SIM card registration, education, and other social services. “These IDs are vital tools for empowerment, ensuring no one is left behind,” he stated.

The initiative, tailored to address accessibility barriers, included mobile units and waived fees to support persons with disabilities. This effort fulfills a commitment made by the NCRA last month to provide IDs in phases to marginalized communities.

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The ceremony highlighted the collaborative support of partners UNICEF, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and NCPD which ensured that community needs were prioritized.

The handover reflects President Bio’s New Direction Agenda, emphasizing equity in national development through initiatives like the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030. Massaquoi noted, “This event honours President Bio’s vision to include everyone, particularly the most vulnerable, in building a stronger Sierra Leone.”

Community representatives expressed gratitude. “These IDs open doors to services we’ve struggled to access,” said a member of the House of Jesus community. “We feel valued and included.”