Post a comment
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has completed a nationwide engagement with local and traditional authorities across all 16 districts, aiming to ensure an inclusive and people-centered Decennial Population and Housing Census in 2026.
The simultaneous regional and district-level meetings brought together Paramount Chiefs, Mayors, representatives from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), the security sector, civil society, youth groups, and the media.
The primary objectives of the engagement were to provide a comprehensive overview of the 2026 census process and its importance to national development, emphasize the crucial role of stakeholders in fostering a cooperative environment, and strengthen collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, and civil society.
A key focus of the meetings was the establishment, review, and adoption of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the District Census Management Committees (DCMC). These committees are designed to promote local ownership and control of the census process.
The DCMC’s responsibilities will include monitoring census activities, conducting community sensitization campaigns, providing oversight for census management frameworks, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the security of census materials and data.
Speaking at the Western Area Rural district engagement in Waterloo, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Ballay, outlined the steps taken so far, including the formation of national-level advisory, technical, and publicity committees. She also informed participants of the visit by an international assessment mission from the US Census Bureau, UN-ECA, and UNFPA-New York in January. Based on the mission’s recommendations, the census has been postponed to December 2026 to ensure critical processes are adequately addressed.
Attendees expressed confidence in the census process and pledged their full support and cooperation, committing to encourage their communities to participate.
Stats SL reiterated its commitment to delivering a successful digital Population and Housing Census for Sierra Leone.
