By Emma Black
In preparation for the 2026 Sierra Leone Population and Housing Census (SLPHC’26), Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), convened a two-day Data Users and Producers Workshop at the New Brookfields Hotel, Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown, on the 24th 25th July, 2025 the Workshop aimed at strengthening stakeholder collaboration for a more inclusive, accurate, and policy-relevant census.
Held at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, the workshop brought together a diverse group of participants including representatives from government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), international development partners, academia, civil society, media, private sector actors, religious institutions, youth and women’s groups, and members of vulnerable communities. Also in attendance were technical experts from the Census Advisory and Technical Committees.
The primary objective was to identify stakeholder data needs and solicit feedback on proposed changes to the 2026 census questionnaire, including new thematic areas and approaches to data collection.
Mr. Sam Palmer, quality assurance specialist and head of population and development at UNFPA Sierra Leone, welcomed participants by highlighting the significance of the workshop, he emphasized the importance of bridging gaps between data producers and users, improving data literacy, and ensuring that the census captures the realities and aspirations of all Sierra Leoneans. Mr. Palmer reaffirmed UNFPA’s support in strengthening Sierra Leone’s statistical infrastructure to support national development and monitor progress toward global goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Moses Williams, Chairman of the Stats SL Council and Chair of the Census Advisory Committee, praised stakeholders for their dedication to the consultative process, he reiterated the centrality of inclusivity and collaboration in conducting a successful national census, the insights shared here will guide us in designing a census that reflects every voice, every community, he noted.
Formally opening the workshop, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, deputy minister of planning and economic development, underscored the census as a catalyst for evidence-based governance and equitable national planning.
To maximize the value of the census, the entire process must be inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of both data users and producers, he said, this workshop is not just a forum; it is a foundational step in designing a people-centered census that will inform Sierra Leone’s development trajectory.
He emphasized the government’s firm commitment to delivering a credible, inclusive, and high-quality census in 2026, following these remarks, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the SLPHC’26 preparations, he was joined by Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima, director of censuses and GIS and National census coordinator, who walked participants through proposed topics, classification schemes, and the data dissemination framework planned for 2026.
The interactive sessions that followed gave participants a platform to engage directly raising concerns, proposing improvements, and ensuring their unique data needs are reflected in the final census approach.
The workshop ended on a note of unity and purpose, with stakeholders pledging their support for a successful 2026 census that delivers reliable data to shape inclusive policies and sustainable development for all Sierra Leoneans.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,1st August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
