The Statistician General and Chief Census Officer for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, Andrew Bob Johnny, has reassured political parties of the credibility and transparency of the upcoming exercise during the 7th Interparty Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting hosted by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) at the New Brookfields Hotel.

In his address, Johnny described the census as a “momentous national endeavor” essential to Sierra Leone’s future development. He emphasized that credible census data underpins evidence-based policymaking, equitable resource allocation, and long-term socio-economic planning.

“We simply cannot plan effectively as a country without credible census data; it is the sine qua non for national development over the next decade,” he stated.

According to him, specialized committees have been established to ensure smooth operations, including an Advisory Committee with political party representatives, a Technical Committee for census design, a Publicity Committee for public awareness, and the Census Secretariat as the central hub.

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He disclosed that nationwide training for cartographic mapping commenced on September 22, 2025, and will run for ten days, after which fieldwork will continue for six months to define enumeration areas. A pilot census, aligned with United Nations standards, is scheduled for December 2025, ahead of the full national enumeration in December 2026.

On resource mobilization, Johnny praised the government’s $24 million investment in technology, logistics, and connectivity, including vehicles, tablets, laptops, and Starlink internet services. However, he highlighted a $13 million funding gap and appealed for support from development partners, donors, and the private sector, while commending UNFPA for spearheading donor coordination.

Emphasizing inclusivity, he assured that the census process would be simplified for both enumerators and respondents and would engage stakeholders at every level. “The questionnaire has been simplified for ease of use, and we are committed to transparency and participation,” he affirmed.

Political party representatives welcomed the update but also shared recommendations. Leonard Balogun Koroma of the All People’s Congress (APC) applauded Stats SL’s openness but encouraged earlier engagement with parties. Another APC representative, Sidi Yaya Tunis, called on leaders to support rather than undermine the process, stressing the need for citizen mobilization.

From the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Ahmed Saybom Kanu urged greater involvement of Paramount Chiefs and local authorities, noting that the census should be seen as a “tool for national development, not a political exercise.” Other party representatives, including members of the All Political Parties Association (APPA), echoed similar sentiments, offering constructive feedback.

The meeting concluded with broad consensus on the importance of the 2026 Population and Housing Census in shaping Sierra Leone’s future growth and development.