Statistician-General  Mr Andrew Bob Johnny

By Emma Black

Statistics Sierra Leone has said the 2026 Census will be open and transparent. In a statement that was released on Wednesday, the data office detailed the transparent steps it has followed so far leading up to the 2026 Decennial Census.

In a detailed statement posted on its website, the agency thanked everyone for showing interest in the process so far and invited genuine actors to follow its pages or meet the officials of the agency directly to enquire about processes.

Since the announcement of the 2026 Census by President Julius Maada Bio Statistics Sierra Leone has been busy doing some serious preparation. Already it has set up a District Census Committee across the country and committees like the Technical, Publicity and Advisory Committee have all been set up. The composition of these committees includes members from all political parties, journalists, CSOs and key government agencies.

Beyond this, the data body has also announced recruitment openly on major news and social media channels. Over 11,000 people have applied so far.

“Recruitment for key census roles was conducted through an open online application. The recruitment was open to qualified, committed, and dynamic Sierra Leoneans. Applications closed on 15th May 2025, with a total of 11,157 applications received. Shortlisting of candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be followed by interviews, which will be conducted soon” a detailed statement from the Statistics body reads.

Beyond this, Stats SL has also done numerous public engagements, with the Statistician General and his Deputy directly taking part in public engagement programs like the Civic Day Series.

Leadership of Statistics Sierra Leone has reiterated its commitment to engage with everyone along the way, calling for ownership of the 2026 Census process.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 23rd, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)