The final instalment of Askanwi Media’s National ID Card investigation reveals that some citizens paid up to D815 to obtain a National ID Card, excluding multiple transportation costs. This contradicts the government spokesperson’s announcement that National ID Cards should cost D450.

The price hike is driven by individuals and institutions capitalising on the process, with forms that should be free being sold alongside charges for filling them out and obtaining authentication stamps.

Beyond the increased costs, many applicants have faced frustration due to repeated electricity blackouts and poor internet connections, forcing them to make multiple trips to the Immigration Office.

More in the investigation.

In this second publication on the “The Price of Being a Citizen” investigation, Askanwi reveals that the cost of paying for a National Identification Card is more than the government’s announced D450. Askanwi takes Ecobank to task about their practice of urging applicants to pay via the Ecobank Mobile Application and denying them the chance of paying over the counter at their Senegambia branch.

Given our revelations on the additional charges, Askanwi queries Ecobank if they are capitalising on the National ID Card process.

A National ID Card may officially cost D450, and its application forms may officially be free; however, our investigation has revealed that the cost of paying for a National ID Card was actually more than announced.

According to the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), applicants who paid for their National ID Cards and enrolled at their offices should be able to acquire one within 10 minutes; however, our reporters have had to endure two weeks of constant follow-ups before one of them could acquire their ID Card.

More in this investigation.