Togo's Bassar Prefecture Sees Biometric Enrollment Drive

A delegation led by Prefect Lt-col Asiah Hodabalo visited the four communes of Bassar prefecture on November 6 to ensure the smooth progress of the biometric enrollment operation. The prefect was accompanied by officials from the National Identification Agency (ANID), the National Institute of Statistics and Demographic Studies (INSEED) Kara, and local service chiefs. The team checked on the enrollment process and gathered information on challenges faced by agents.

The delegation visited several centers, including Ecole primaire publique (EPP) Bangéli in Commune Bassar 2, Unité de soin périphérique (USP) Sanda-Afohou in Bassar 4, and EPP Kabou-centre in Bassar 3. At each location, the prefect encouraged agents to continue their work efficiently to ensure the operation's success. He emphasized the importance of sensitization and finding suitable solutions for mass enrollment in the prefecture.

Agents raised concerns about insufficient recording equipment in some centers and reluctance from young people to enroll. They noted that mostly elderly individuals and students were registering. The prefect stressed the primary goal of the operation and requested a warm welcome for agents to ensure the mission's success in the prefecture. He urged actors to prioritize and promptly register people with disabilities.

The prefect called on communal actors, traditional leaders, and service chiefs to mobilize and sensitize the population, particularly during market days, to achieve the set objective. He requested traditional leaders to spread information through town criers. The mission chief, Bleoussi Joseph, encouraged agents and expressed satisfaction with the operation's progress, assuring them that raised concerns would be addressed.

This biometric enrollment operation, led by ANID with technical support from INSEED, aims to provide Togolese citizens with an e-ID card, enabling them to access public and financial services. The e-ID card will facilitate citizens' interactions with government agencies and financial institutions.

The prefect's visit demonstrated the government's commitment to ensuring the operation's success. By addressing challenges and encouraging agents, the prefect aimed to enhance the enrollment process. The biometric registration drive is a crucial step towards creating a comprehensive database of Togolese citizens.

The successful completion of the biometric enrollment operation in Bassar prefecture will contribute to the country's efforts to improve citizen identification and access to essential services. The e-ID card will serve as a vital tool for citizens to exercise their rights and access public services efficiently.

Key points

• The biometric enrollment operation aims to provide Togolese citizens with an e-ID card for accessing public and financial services.