In a powerful and forward-looking address, at Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown on Friday13 June 2025, the Statistician-General of Sierra Leone and Chief Census Officer for the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, delivered a resounding statement at the 2025 Triennial Elective Congress of the Sierra Leone association of Journalists (SLAJ).
Speaking at the well-attended gathering held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, Mr. Johnny praised SLAJ for its consistent dedication to upholding press freedom, journalistic ethics, and democratic accountability.
In his keynote address, Mr. Johnny described the media as a crucial partner in advancing data-driven decision-making in Sierra Leone, he acknowledged the pivotal role journalists play in fostering national dialogue, promoting transparency, and supporting development goals through timely, accurate, and evidence-based reporting.
The media remains one of our strongest strategic allies, Mr. Johnny said, your contribution to data dissemination, civic education, and public engagement is essential to the success of the 2026 census, he called on journalists across the country to support public awareness efforts, noting that trust and public participation in the census process can only be achieved through consistent, credible, and inclusive messaging.
The Statistician-General also provided a comprehensive update on the preparations underway for the 2026 population and housing Census, key achievements to date include, the full setup of census advisory, Technical, and publicity committees to guide planning and execution. completion of training programs for senior personnel involved in census cartography.
Recruitment of cartographic staff and secretariat personnel is in progress. Official launch scheduled for 14 June 2025 in selected areas including Dema Chiefdom Bonthe, Kissi Teng Chiefdom Kailahun, Mara chiefdom Bombali, and various communities in Freetown East Magazine Cut, Mountain Cut, and Dovecot, Appointment of a chief technical adviser and a cartographic Consultant, both supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Procurement of 35 XL motorbikes, 500 Statistics SL-branded digital tablets, and 500 power banks to enhance data collection in the field.The Government of Sierra Leone has already disbursed an initial sum of $2.5 million to support the 2025 phase of the census activities.Mr. Johnny stressed that these developments demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring a credible and inclusive national census that meets international standards.
Mr. Johnny used the opportunity to urge SLAJ and the wider media landscape to be active partners in shaping public perception and participation in the census process, he encouraged journalists to engage communities, clarify misconceptions, and report accurately to inspire confidence in the exercise, your collaboration is vital in educating, informing, and ensuring public understanding, transparency, and national buy-in for this essential national exercise,” he reiterated.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Johnny lauded SLAJ’s tireless work in promoting democratic values, media professionalism, and human rights across Sierra Leone. He praised the association for being a strong voice for journalists’ welfare, a defender of freedom of expression, and a key driver of institutional accountability.
SLAJ continues to serve as a cornerstone of media development in Sierra Leone, providing training, legal protection, and advocacy for journalists, while playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion on national issues.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 16TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
