๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐จ๐ค๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐๐ฅ, ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐จ ๐๐๐ง๐ฒ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐, ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง 24๐ญ๐ก โ 25๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ, 2025
In a concerted effort to produce reliable and relevant statistics that meet the needs of key stakeholders, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), successfully hosted a two-day Data Users and Producers Workshop for the upcoming 2026 Sierra Leone Population and Housing Census (SLPHCโ26).
The workshop aimed to assess the data needs of diverse stakeholders and gather critical feedback on proposed changes and topics for inclusion in the 2026 census questionnaire.
Participants included representatives from government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the private sector, international development partners, research and academic institutions, media organizations, religious groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), womenโs and youth groups, vulnerable populations, and members of the Census Advisory and Technical Committees, among others.
In his welcome address, Mr. Sam Palmer, Quality Assurance Specialist and Head of Population and Development at UNFPA Sierra Leone, described the workshop as a vital platform for sharing insights, identifying data gaps, improving data literacy, and promoting constructive dialogue between data producers and users. He reiterated UNFPAโs commitment to partnering with the Government of Sierra Leone and Stats SL to strengthen national statistical systems, emphasizing that reliable data is the cornerstone of sound development planning, evidence-based policymaking, and tracking progress toward national goals and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Moses Williams, Chairman of the Stats SL Council and Chair of the Census Advisory Committee, expressed his appreciation for the participantsโ commitment to the consultative process. He emphasized inclusivity as a fundamental principle for a successful 2026 census and encouraged active participation, stronger partnerships, and a shared commitment to national development.
Officially opening the workshop, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), stressed the importance of inclusive and participatory engagement in the census process.
โTo maximize the value of the census, the entire process must be inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of both data users and producers. This is the very purpose of this workshop. The collective experiences, insights, and recommendations gathered here will be key in shaping a census that truly reflects Sierra Leoneโs realities and informs the policies that will shape our future.โ
He underscored the census as more than a statistical exerciseโhighlighting its role as a foundation for equitable development, good governance, and evidence-based decision-making. He reaffirmed the governmentโs unwavering commitment to delivering a reliable, inclusive, and high-quality 2026 Population and Housing Census.
Following the keynote addresses, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, presented a detailed update on the implementation status of SLPHCโ26. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima, Director of Censuses and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and National Census Coordinator, who outlined the proposed topics, tabulations, and dissemination strategy for the 2026 census.
Participants were then given the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and provide feedback on the process, ensuring their voices contribute meaningfully to shaping the final census design.
The workshop concluded with renewed hope and a collective commitment to producing credible and high-quality dataโessential for planning inclusive development, designing effective policies, and addressing the needs of all segments of Sierra Leoneโs population.
ยฉ๏ธ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ & ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ
