FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 3 June 2025 — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) joined other stakeholders at the Census Advisory Committee meeting — the highest oversight and decision-making body for Sierra Leone’s 2026 Population and Housing Census.
Convened by Statistics Sierra Leone and chaired by Statistics Sierra Leone Council Chairman, Moses Williams, the meeting brought together representatives from government ministries and agencies, political parties, civil society, the security sector, development partners and other key stakeholders. The meeting focused on reviewing progress and reaffirming collective commitment to the upcoming Census.
In his briefing, Chief Census Officer and Statistician General, Andrew Bob Johnny, highlighted the progress across technical, legal, and operational areas of the Census preparatory process, noting that the necessary legal framework and coordination structures are firmly in place.
Mr. Johnny further highlighted ongoing stakeholder engagement, noting that District Census Management Committees had been formally established in all 16 districts. Both the Census Advisory Committee and the Census Technical Committee have been regularly updated on progress.
On the technical front, significant advances have been made in cartographic mapping and geospatial readiness. Master training in GIS has been conducted.
“We must remember that the census is about the people. It is about the development,” said Mr Johnny. “At the end of the day, the data will have to be used for international comparability and for benchmarking global indicators of development frameworks. And we’re extremely grateful to UNFPA for all the support they’ve been providing to us — for standing with us throughout the process.”
Abdul Karim Kamara, representing the All People’s Congress (APC) party, emphasized the importance of unity and national ownership.
“This is a national event, and we must approach it through a nationalistic and civic lens,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Officer-in-Charge Sibeso Mululuma reaffirmed the agency’s ongoing commitment:
”The success of this census will be a testament to our collective commitment, collaboration, and shared vision for a prosperous Sierra Leone. UNFPA will continue working hand-in-hand with the Government and all partners to ensure this census is not just conducted, but that it is a resounding success.”
Islander Kabia | Communications Unit| UNFPA Sierra Leone | e-mail: ikabia@unfpa.org
