Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), has conducted a key stakeholder engagement meeting in Mara Chiefdom, Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone—one of three rural sites selected for the national Pilot Cartographic Mapping exercise.
Welcoming the Stats SL delegation, Chiefdom Speaker Pa Mustapha Jalloh expressed appreciation for the collaboration and reaffirmed the chiefdom’s ongoing support for the field teams. “*_Mara has wholeheartedly hosted Stats SL field staff since their arrival, and we will continue to do so_*,” he stated.
The Paramount Chief, PC Bai Bairoh Mabolleh Anshami III, expressed pride that Mara Chiefdom was the only location selected in the entire northern region for this groundbreaking pilot initiative. He urged community members to cooperate fully and encouraged local leaders to spread awareness of the project throughout the chiefdom. “*_Our people should see the field staff as one of their own_*,” he said.
Stats SL’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Samuel Ansumana, thanked the paramount chief and stakeholders for their warm welcome and stressed the importance of community awareness. “*_We urge you to go beyond your constituents—bring this message to every household_*,” he appealed.
Amadu Sheriff, Principal Statistician for the Northern Region and field team lead in Mara, assured community leaders that his team would observe all local protocols. “*_We will take utmost care to respect the traditions and culture of the chiefdom to foster cooperation and trust_*,” he said.
In attendance were several local leaders and stakeholder representatives, including Chiefdom Youth Leader , Hassan S. Kamara, Section Chief, Pa Alimamy Turay, Mammy Queen, Ya Amie Tarawalie, Farmer Representative, Ibrahim Sorie Tholley, Headman, Sullay Tarawalie, and Police Representative, Abdul Kamara. Also present were Chiefdom Imam Pa Alhaji Abu Bakarr Tholley, women’s leaders, representatives from the bike riders’ union, and other community members.
*About the Pilot Cartography*
The Pilot Cartographic Mapping is a preparatory geographic data collection exercise aimed at testing tools and methods ahead of the nationwide census cartography. The pilot is taking place in four strategically selected locations:
* Kissy Teng Chiefdom – Disputed border area
* Dema Chiefdom – Hard-to-reach terrain
* Mara Chiefdom – Easily accessible rural area
* Freetown East II and III – Urban and accessible areas
The exercise is designed to uncover logistical, technical, and community engagement challenges while training teams and refining field strategies for the upcoming national rollout.
Credit – Stats SL Comms & PR Unit
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 27th June, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
