Information Minister Visits Stats SL Ahead of 2026 Population and Housing Census
Salamatu Y. Kamara The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has paid a working visit to Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration ahead of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The meeting focused on enhancing public sensitisation and awareness to ensure that citizens across the country fully understand and support the census process.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Bah emphasised the importance of the census for national development. “The President has made the census one of his key priorities. It is a national exercise that must be conducted smoothly, without issues, and free from political interference,” he said.
The Statistician General, Andrew Bob Johnny, highlighted the need for practical action and stronger public engagement. “Face-to-face dialogue remains the most effective way to pass on information. While social media is important, traditional communication methods are even more critical,” he said. He added that sensitisation should be expanded at regional and district levels, learning from experiences in other countries.
Deputy Statistician General, Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh, proposed using animated educational series to explain the census process. He suggested that the series could depict “a typical day in the life of an enumerator,” showing how officers prepare and conduct fieldwork, with content shared widely on social media to increase understanding and trust.
Samuel Ansumana, Director of Communication and Public Relations at Stats SL, thanked the Ministry for its ongoing collaboration, particularly during the Civic Festival, and outlined upcoming initiatives. These include branding billboards and transit communications, establishing a call centre, and a planned “Simulcast Census Hour” to further educate the public.
Both institutions agreed to place large billboards at strategic locations across the country, including Masiaka Junction, Rogbere Junction, border areas, Juba Junction, and Congo Cross. Stats SL will also continue to participate in civic engagement panels nationwide, including a planned engagement in Kono in February 2026.
The 2026 Population and Housing Census will commence on December 2, 2026, with December 1 designated as Census Night (Reference Night). All persons who sleep in Sierra Leone on that night will be enumerated.
