AYV News, June 5, 2025
In a bid to provide a comprehensive update on the implementation status of the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census (PHC ’26), Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) successfully hosted a high-level roundtable meeting with members of the Census Advisory Committee.
The meeting saw full participation from key committee members, including representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Population and Development, Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, Office of National Security (ONS), Sierra Leone Labour Congress, All People’s Congress (APC), Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), National Peace Commission, Women’s Forum–Sierra Leone, Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Local Councils Association of Sierra Leone, National Council of Paramount Chiefs, All Political Parties Association (APPA), alongside international development partners such as UNFPA, UNICEF, and the British High Commission.
In his opening remarks, Moses Williams, Chairman of the Stats SL Council and Chairman of the Census Advisory Committee, reaffirmed the committee’s status as the highest policy-making body for the census. He emphasized its responsibility to formulate sound policies and make informed decisions to guide the successful conduct of the 2026 Census.
Mr. Williams called on all members to engage in open and honest discussions from a non-partisan, nationalistic perspective for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans. He then officially declared the meeting open.
Delivering the key technical update, the Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer for the 2026 Census, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, presented a detailed status report. His update covered several major milestones, including:
•Significant financial backing from the Government of Sierra Leone
•Completion of the review of prior mapping exercises
•Deployment of advanced GIS tools and recruitment of specialized personnel
•Development of draft cartographic questionnaires, manuals, and handbooks
•Establishment of census geography and coding systems
•Procurement and installation of GIS infrastructure
•Acquisition of 500 customized tablets branded with the Stats SL logo
•Delivery of 35 brand new XL motorbikes and 500 high-capacity power banks
•Selection of pilot mapping areas
•Completion of Master Trainers’ training in Bo
•Engagements with donor partners for funding support
•Formation of the first-ever District Census Management Committees
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Officer-in-Charge Madam Sebeso Mululuma reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering support for the 2026 Census. She underscored the importance of the Advisory Committee in ensuring a successful and inclusive national count, describing the process as a collective effort that reflects a shared vision for a prosperous Sierra Leone.
Madam Mululuma highlighted UNFPA’s contribution through:
•Provision of national and international technical experts
•Assistance in census mapping, questionnaire design, and data methodologies
•Capacity building through training programs
•Quality assurance support in line with international standards and best practices
“UNFPA remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Government of Sierra Leone, through Stats SL and all partners, to ensure the 2026 Census is not just conducted, but that it is a resounding success,” she emphasized.
Also making a key statement was Usman Chery Conteh, Deputy Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, who reiterated the Government’s full commitment to supporting a successful census.
Committee members, including representatives from the APC and SLPP, expressed appreciation to Stats SL for the transparent and informative briefing. They collectively pledged their continued support for every stage of the census process.
