By Ishmael F. Menkor<\/p>\n
Hundreds of frustrated citizens and government workers have called on the National Identification Registry (NIR) and the Government of Liberia to open additional National ID card enrollment centers in Nimba County, as the only operational center in Ganta struggles to cope with overwhelming demand.<\/p>\n
For weeks, the Ganta center has been packed with people \u2014 many traveling from remote areas such as Tappita, Gbi and Doru, Zekepa, Saclepea, and Buutuo \u2014 all in a frantic attempt to obtain their National Identification Cards before the June 1 deadline set by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai\u2019s Executive Order. The order mandates that all public and financial transactions must be accompanied by a valid National ID card.<\/p>\n
The situation has left many citizens stranded in Ganta, unable to return home or complete business due to the slow and often stalled registration process.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been coming here for weeks to get my ID card but have not been able to go through the process,\u201d lamented Sam Yini, an agent of the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA). \u201cSometimes the office is closed, other times the computer is not working. I can\u2019t get my salary from the bank because I don\u2019t have my ID.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe came from far distances. I\u2019m from Gbi Chiefdom and have spent two weeks here,\u201d said Paramount Chief Arthur W. Saye. \u201cWe appreciate the idea of the ID system, but the way it\u2019s being implemented is punishing us. We are stranded and hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ganta center, located in a poorly maintained building, reportedly has only one outdated computer that frequently breaks down. Despite being the busiest center in the county, no backup system or sufficient technical support appears to be in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we had a good computer, we could process about 100 people a day,\u201d said Bangadee Morris Kamara, senior registrar at the NIR Nimba branch. \u201cThis computer is too old and causes us too much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, June 10, tensions peaked as more citizens poured into Ganta, further increasing the crowd. In desperation, some stranded registrants pooled money to send a technician to Monrovia in hopes of replacing or repairing the faulty computer \u2014 only for the same problem to persist upon return.<\/p>\n
The Daily Observer\u2019s visit to the scene showed chaotic conditions, with crowds of angry citizens \u2014 including business owners, teachers, students, and security officers \u2014 gathered at the registry building, many expressing fear of missing the national deadline.<\/p>\n
\u201cI took a loan from the bank and can\u2019t repay it because I can\u2019t access my account without an ID,\u201d said Hestin Dolo, a local businessman. \u201cThis delay is causing me serious losses. Government should have planned better before setting this deadline.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gbarkay Ericson, a Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) officer, added: \u201cWhen we go to the bank, we can\u2019t get our money. When we come here, we can\u2019t get our ID card. We are stuck and confused.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEven the banks are not accepting the NIR receipt anymore. They want the actual ID card,\u201d said Esther Blessing Gaypue, another LIS officer. \u201cOur children are out of school because we can\u2019t pay their fees.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many say the current system is not only inefficient but damaging livelihoods and breeding public resentment. Citizens are calling for the establishment of additional enrollment centers in strategic locations across the county \u2014 particularly in Saclepea and Tappita \u2014 to reduce the burden on Ganta.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not working. Government should open more centers to reduce the pressure here,\u201d said Eleanor Goanue, a businesswoman from Saclepea. \u201cPeople are suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite these challenges, there has been no official word from the NIR or the Ministry of Internal Affairs about decentralizing the process or upgrading the equipment in Ganta.<\/p>\n
As the June 1 executive order remains in effect and thousands still without valid ID cards, concerns are growing that public frustration may escalate, particularly in areas far from Ganta where travel is difficult and costly.<\/p>\n