Government Intensifies Preparations for 2026 Census with High-Level Field Inspection

 The Government of Sierra Leone has stepped up preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, with top officials conducting a high-level monitoring visit to the ongoing Mock Census exercise in Hill Station, Freetown.

Leading the inspection were Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay, Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny, and UNFPA Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi. The delegation observed household enumeration, engaged census workers, and assessed the effectiveness of the digital data collection system and overall field operations.

The visit forms part of efforts to ensure the national census is conducted in line with international standards, producing credible and reliable data for national planning and development.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Kenyeh Barlay described the census as one of the country's most important national exercises, noting that accurate population data is essential for evidence-based policymaking, fair resource allocation, and sustainable development. She commended Statistics Sierra Leone and its development partners for the progress made and urged field staff to maintain professionalism, accuracy, and integrity throughout the exercise.

Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny explained that the Mock Census is a critical rehearsal ahead of the nationwide Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026. According to him, the exercise is testing census methodologies, digital technologies, logistics, supervision systems, and quality assurance mechanisms to identify improvements before the main census begins.

UNFPA Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in delivering a credible, inclusive, and internationally recognised census. He said the exercise would help generate reliable population data to guide national development and measure progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

As the Mock Census enters its final phase across selected communities, Statistics Sierra Leone has thanked residents for their cooperation and encouraged households to provide complete and accurate information to enumerators.

Officials say the success of the December 2026 Population and Housing Census will depend on the participation of every household, ensuring that everyone is counted and no one is left behind.

What do you think? How important is an accurate population census to Sierra Leone's future planning and development? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Statistics-SL