Statistics SL Kicks Off 2025 Census Preparations with Awareness Meeting

By: Ahmed Yusuf Turay

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stat SL) organized a one-day inaugural publicity and awareness-raising committee meeting for the upcoming 2025 Decennial Population and Housing Census at the new Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. This important event aimed to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive national census, which is critical for the country’s development.

The longest-serving Director and Chief Statistician General (S.G.) of Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny, opened the meeting by welcoming participants and expressing gratitude to the President for his declaration to commence the national census of all Sierra Leoneans. He emphasized that this proclamation reflects the highest level of political commitment to the census process. “The commencement of the population housing census aligns with our collective goals and complements the President’s vision for the nation,” he stated.

Andrew Bob Johnny explained that the census is not merely a headcount but a vital process that informs various aspects of governance. He remarked, “The establishment of census administrative machinery, along with advisory and technical committees, is essential for the success of any modern census model.” He highlighted that accurate data collection regarding households, education, health, agriculture, and other critical indicators is paramount for effective policymaking.

He further articulated Stat SL’s core values: “To produce and disseminate high-quality statistics that are relevant and accessible to both government and the broader statistical user community. We are committed to integrity, objective data analysis, and adherence to sound statistical principles, all while ensuring that information is available and affordable through a range of products and services, including web-based access.”

Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Cee Bah, who also serves as Co-chair of the committee, emphasized the significance of public participation in the census process. He noted, “The conduct of the 2025 census is at the heart and soul of our national development. While the Statistician General possesses the technology and expertise, the success of the census hinges on the active involvement of every Sierra Leonean, particularly those in remote villages.” He stressed the importance of civic education in fostering understanding and trust in the process, urging all citizens to participate fully to help achieve the Statistician General’s vision.

Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation Salima Bah recognized the importance of technology in the census process. She commended the Statistician General for ensuring transparency and inclusivity throughout the census preparations. “My ministry will provide full support in terms of technology, which is vital for effective information dissemination and the successful implementation of the advisory committee’s initiatives,” she stated. She also encouraged the private sector to play a critical role in disseminating accurate and credible information, emphasizing that informed citizens are essential for the success of the census.

Sahr James Bangah, Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and Co-chair representing Stat SL on the Council Committee, noted the importance of collaborative efforts among committee members and government ministries. He stated, “The representation from various sectors demonstrates our commitment to the census, as outlined in the Statistics Act of 2002 and the Census Act of 2002.” He described the formation of the publicity and awareness-raising committee as a crucial step in combating misinformation and ensuring that accurate messages reach the public.

Several statements and presentations were made during the meeting to enhance the impact of the census awareness campaign. Among them, Samuel Ansumana, Director of Census Communication and PR, reviewed and adopted the Terms of Reference for the publicity committees and discussed the composition of the committees responsible for public awareness.

As Sierra Leone prepares for its 2025 Decennial Population and Housing Census, the emphasis on public engagement and accurate data collection underscores the government’s commitment to using reliable statistics as a foundation for national development. The success of the census will ultimately depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.