MONROVIA – The ongoing debate regarding the process leading to the issuance of the National Identification Cards following an Executive Order from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai that as of August 1, 2025, all transactions in government, private and business institutions will be done with a valid National ID card, has claimed the attention of Montserrado County District #3 Representative, Sumo Mulbah, who has pointed out key things that must be addressed and does not see the August 1. 2025 deadline as being feasible.
In a missive to his colleague, Rep. Molubah said he cannot endorse a system that is flawed and risked collapse in the near future. See below the full letter of Rep. Molubah to his colleagues:
“To All Members of the 55th House of Representatives
Date: June 20,2025
Dear Colleagues,
Due to our collective eagerness to participate in the ongoing discussions, we have unfortunately been unable to firmly assert our stance against funding the current National Identification Card system.
While I support Executive Order 126 issued by the President of Liberia, I cannot endorse a system that is flawed and risks collapse in the near future.
I attentively listened to the Director of the National Identification Registry during his recent presentation on the rationale and status of the National ID Card program.
However, I believe his statements were more of a strategic bluff than a realistic plan and will not meaningfully support the president’s intentions.
A national identification card is not comparable to a SUSU ID or school ID—it is a complex system that takes years of careful development in collaboration with software engineers and security experts.
Let me highlight and critique some of the misleading claims made during his remarks:
Misleading Claims and Critique
- Misrepresentation of National ID Priority: The claim that “The National Identification Card is the primary identification element in the state and is above the passport” is highly misleading.
A card that lacks critical security features such as holograms, microprinting, anti-photocopying technology, QR codes, ghost images, and embedded biometric chips cannot and should not be regarded as the country’s primary form of identification. Moreover, this card is not recognized for international transactions or identity verification. - Unrealistic Rollout Promise: The assertion that “Five million Liberians will receive National ID cards in four months” is not grounded in reality. Liberia does not possess the necessary technological infrastructure or digital network capacity to achieve this. The existing offline registration process is also inefficient and time-consuming.
- Potential for Electoral Fraud: The claim that the National Identification registry will help the National Elections Commission identify citizens’ locations is problematic. Without enhanced security features like holograms and biometric verification, this system risks opening the door to fraud and manipulation. When political parties lack access to transparent verification mechanisms, the data can be easily abused.
Furthermore, database access in remote, internet-poor areas is not feasible during elections. Internal migration due to rental costs, employment, or education adds to the problem, resulting in voting imbalances during the voter roll display process.
Key Questions That Demand Answers
I respectfully call on the Director and his partners to address the following critical questions:
- Where is the central database server located as Liberia transitions from manual to digital voter registration?
- What is the utility of a national ID card when businesses do not have QR code reader machines?
- Is the government developing a national database that integrates individuals, government institutions, and private businesses?
- Do the ID cards include biometric security features—such as embedded chips with fingerprints and facial recognition—for crime-related identification purposes?
Final Observations and Recommendations
While I appreciate the desire to support the president, we must proceed with caution and sound judgment. Misleading the president with half-baked systems is a disservice to national development.
A robust National Identification system must be linked to individuals’ mobile numbers and bank accounts and must meet international security standards.
Let me also emphasize that obtaining an ID card for revenue generation should not be confused with the creation of a secure national identity system.
Since the National ID functions similarly to a voter’s card, I propose a free distribution policy to ensure that every Liberian has access to one. I recommend a one-year grace period before any full-scale implementation to allow proper planning and awareness.
Lastly, the claim that “all persons, Liberian and non-Liberian, are identified under the system” exposes yet another flaw.
The current process relies entirely on self-declared data, without verification interviews or screening protocols for non-citizens.
Cards issued without stringent security controls can be easily duplicated and misused.
In conclusion, while we support progress, it must not come at the expense of credibility, transparency, and long-term viability. We owe our citizens a system they can trust”.
