By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The airwaves of the EPIC Morning Show were charged with energy past Thursday’s morning as Honourable Alpha Ben Mansaray, Deputy Spokesperson of the All People’s Congress (APC) in the Well of Parliament, engaged in a robust conversation with Mr. Javombo on the pressing issue of the National Identity Card issuance by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA).
In a calm but firm tone, Hon. Mansaray made it clear that his position was not rooted in political ambition but in the defence of the rights and dignity of Sierra Leoneans. He raised serious concerns about the unequal and, in his words, ‘unfair’ treatment that many citizens face when trying to access this critical public service.
Referencing provisions of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Hon. Mansaray reminded listeners that NCRA has a legal and moral duty to serve all citizens without bias or discrimination, pointing out that identification is not a privilege but a fundamental right that facilitates access to education, employment, healthcare, voting, and active participation in national development.
The Honourable did not hesitate to directly challenge Mr. Javombo on the air, questioning why NCRA increases fees or introduces additional charges when providing services in provincial areas. He argued that such a practice unfairly burdens rural communities, creating an unacceptable divide between citizens based on their location. “This is not the message we should be sending in a democratic society,” he said.
To illustrate his concerns, Hon. Mansaray cited Ribbi Chiefdom as a clear example, a chiefdom that still does not have an NCRA registration centre, leaving thousands without easy access to the service, thus forcing many to travel long distances at significant personal cost — for a service that, he stressed, should be equally available in every district and chiefdom.
While strongly critical of the gaps in service delivery, Hon. Mansaray also acknowledged NCRA’s achievements in some areas. He commended the progress made so far and recognised the importance of their work. However, he urged the institution to ‘do the right thing’ by making the process fair, transparent, and accessible to all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of where they live.
During the programme, many citizens called in to share their frustrations and personal experiences with the registration process. Hon. Mansaray assured them that their concerns had been noted and promised that Parliament would explore ways to amend the relevant laws to prevent exclusion and ensure equitable service delivery nationwide.
The Honourable Alpha Ben Mansaray Media Team Movement has since issued a statement standing firmly behind his remarks. The team reiterated that the right to identification underpins many other rights and freedoms, and any process that limits this access undermines democracy and equality.
“We will continue to stand for truth, fairness, and accountability,” the statement read. “Those in authority must remain committed to serving all Sierra Leoneans with integrity and justice.”
As the debate over NCRA’s operations continues, the call from Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray resonates beyond political lines. It is a reminder that equal access to public services remains a cornerstone of democracy — and that no Sierra Leonean should be left behind.
