The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) office in Kono District was inundated with residents seeking to process their National ID Cards ahead of the government’s slated deadline of March 31st. The overwhelming turnout has prompted residents to call for an extension of the deadline, citing logistical challenges and the sheer volume of applicants.

In interviews conducted on-site, residents expressed frustration over long wait times and logistical hurdles.

Sahr Ansumana, a resident of Wardu in Upper Sandor Chiefdom, recounted his two-day journey to the NCRA office in Koidu city, where he has yet to complete the ID card application process. Ansumana highlighted the financial burden of frequent trips to the office and emphasized the need for additional processing centers in the district.

With only one station available for National ID processing in Kono District, residents fear that the current pace will not suffice to meet the demand of the entire population within the allotted timeframe. Stakeholders are urged to consider the pleas of residents and extend the deadline to ensure equitable access to this foundational document of legal identity.