By Alimatu Jalloh
New Brookfields Hotel, Freetown — June 3, 2025: Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has convened a high-level roundtable meeting with members of the Census Advisory Committee, aimed at reviewing progress on the upcoming 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census (PHC ’26).
The meeting, held at New Brookfields Hotel, brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, civil society organizations, and international development partners, including UNFPA, UNICEF, and the British High Commission.
Policy and Technical Updates
In his opening remarks, Mr. Moses Williams, Chairman of the Stats SL Council and the Census Advisory Committee, reaffirmed the committee’s critical role in shaping national census policies. He urged members to engage in non-partisan discussions for the collective benefit of Sierra Leoneans.
Providing a technical update, Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, outlined several milestones achieved in the census preparation, including:
– Government financial backing to support census operations.
– Advanced GIS deployment for mapping and data accuracy.
– Formation of District Census Management Committees to oversee local implementation.
– Acquisition of customized tablets, motorbikes, and power banks for census workers.
– Completion of training programs for Master Trainers in Bo.
– Engagements with donor partners to ensure sustained financial and technical support.
UNFPA and Government Commitment
Representing the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Madam Sebeso Mululuma reaffirmed the agency’s full commitment to the successful execution of the census. She emphasized UNFPA’s contributions, which include:
– Provision of technical experts in census methodology.
– Support for mapping, questionnaire design, and data processing.
– Capacity-building initiatives for census personnel.
– Ensuring compliance with global quality standards.
“UNFPA remains committed to collaborating with Stats SL and all partners to ensure the 2026 Census is a resounding success,” Mululuma stated.
Usman Chery Conteh, Deputy Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), also reiterated the government’s full backing of the census process.
Broad Stakeholder Support
Committee members, including representatives from APC, SLPP, and civil society organizations, commended Stats SL’s transparency and pledged their continued support for every stage of the census process.
As preparations intensify, stakeholders remain committed to ensuring PHC ’26 meets international best practices and provides accurate, reliable data to drive national development policies.