According to an investigation conducted by EyeWitness news, it has been revealed that the ECOWAS Identity card issued by a company called Constract in Sierra Leone is not considered a valid travel document for crossing the border between Sierra Leone and Liberia.
During the investigation at the Jendema border crossing, Sierra Leone’s immigration officials informed the EyeWitness that the ECOWAS Identity card is not accepted for border crossings between Sierra Leone and Liberia. They suggested obtaining an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) instead. The EyeWitness paid 100 Leones for the ECOWAS ID. The immigration officials explained that they require electricity to power their equipment, including body scanning machines and printers, but despite promises from Easy Solar to install solar power, no action has been taken. They have appealed to authorities in Freetown for assistance in resolving the lack of electricity.
Similarly, on the Liberian side of the Jendema crossing, the ECOWAS identity card was also not accepted by immigration officials. They stated that they have not received any directive to recognize the ECOWAS Identity card as a valid travel document at that border crossing. Only after the EyeWitness presented the ETC, following the necessary procedures, were they allowed to cross.
The Sierra Leone Government, through the NCRA and Constract, a private company, has been issuing ECOWAS and national identity cards to Sierra Leoneans and ECOWAS citizens. The Government has indicated that the biometric ECOWAS Identity card is intended to facilitate border crossings among ECOWAS states.
Ambassador Harouna Moussa, the Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Sierra Leone, expressed his satisfaction with Sierra Leone becoming the sixth member state, after Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Benin, and The Gambia, to implement the ECOWAS member identification card. He recognized Sierra Leone’s commitment to the vision of free movement of persons and integration within the ECOWAS region.
Some Sierra Leoneans interviewed by EyeWitnessNews expressed concerns about the refusal to accept the ECOWAS ID card, as it may impede movement and trade between the two countries. Joseph Kanneh questioned the purpose of obtaining an ECOWAS ID if individuals are required to pay for an Emergency Travel Certificate. He urged officials in Freetown to provide accurate information and guidance.
