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Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has concluded a one-day stakeholders’ engagement and established a District Census Management Committee (DCMC) in Pujehun as part of preparations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census.
Held at the Pujehun District Council Hall on Jah Street, the event brought together key stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs, security personnel, government representatives, youth groups, political parties, women’s organizations, and the media.
Speaking at the engagement, Mohamed Kpana Gbato Kemokai, Statistics Council Representative for the Southern Region, emphasized the crucial role stakeholders play in ensuring a smooth and effective census process. He highlighted that the census is the foundation for national planning and development.
“The primary objective of this engagement is to provide an overview of the 2025 Population and Housing Census and its significance in national development planning.
It also aims to outline stakeholders’ roles in ensuring a comprehensive and accurate census, formally establish the District Census Management Committee, and foster collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, and other key partners,” Kemokai explained.
He recalled that on September 9, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially announced that the national census would take place from December 2 to December 15, 2025, with December 1 designated as Census Night.
Kemokai urged all citizens to actively participate in the census, describing it as a collective responsibility that drives national development. “Census business is everyone’s business,” he stressed.
Representing the participants, Sheikh Denise MB Swaray, Pujehun District Pen Pusher for the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party, expressed gratitude to Statistics Sierra Leone for involving them in the process. He underscored that the census is a national, rather than political, activity and pledged the APC’s commitment to its success.
“As the leading opposition party, we have a key role to play in this process. The census is not about politics—it is about the nation. We urge the government to ensure inclusivity in all aspects of the census,” Swaray stated.
He assured that the APC is fully prepared to participate and encouraged all citizens to do the same.
With the establishment of the District Census Management Committee, Pujehun District now joins other regions in gearing up for the Decennial Population and Housing Census, which will provide critical data for policy-making and development initiatives across Sierra Leone.
