By Thaimu T Kamara

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has successfully conducted a one-day orientation for Independent Monitors ahead of the 2026 Mock Population and Housing Census, reaffirming their shared commitment to ensuring a transparent, credible, and internationally accepted national census.

The orientation, held at the UNFPA Sierra Leone Headquarters at Signal Hill in Freetown on Thursday, brought together senior officials from Statistics Sierra Leone and UNFPA, development partners, members of the Independent Monitoring Team, technical experts, and other key stakeholders involved in the census process.

The training was aimed at equipping Independent Monitors with the knowledge, skills, and operational guidelines needed to effectively observe and assess the implementation of the Mock Census, which serves as a critical preparatory exercise for the national Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026.

Participants received comprehensive briefings on the objectives of the Mock Census, monitoring methodologies, ethical standards, reporting procedures, and the important role independent monitors will play in promoting transparency, accountability, and public confidence throughout the census process.

Addressing the gathering, the UNFPA Country Representative to Sierra Leone, Mr. Kunle Adeniyi, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone through Statistics Sierra Leone in conducting a credible, inclusive, and internationally recognized Population and Housing Census.

Mr. Adeniyi described independent monitoring as one of the most important mechanisms for strengthening the integrity of the census exercise. He emphasized that objective monitoring helps enhance transparency and accountability while increasing public trust in the outcome of the national population count.

He urged the Independent Monitors to carry out their assignments with professionalism, impartiality, and integrity, noting that their observations and recommendations would play a significant role in improving the quality of the census process.

“The credibility of every census depends not only on effective planning and implementation but also on independent oversight that assures citizens and stakeholders that the process meets accepted national and international standards,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of Statistics Sierra Leone, Deputy Statistician-General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh underscored the importance of the Mock Census as a vital step in preparing for the nationwide Population and Housing Census later this year.

According to Mr. Kanneh, the Mock Census is intended to test every aspect of the national census operation before the main exercise begins. These include field operations, data collection instruments, digital systems, logistics, communication strategies, and coordination mechanisms to identify potential challenges and make necessary improvements.

He informed participants that census field personnel had already been deployed to the six selected Mock Census locations, where household listing exercises are currently underway as part of preparations for the enumeration process.

Mr. Kanneh further disclosed that Mock Census Night has been scheduled for July 19, 2026, while the actual enumeration will commence on July 20, 2026. He encouraged the Independent Monitors to carefully document their observations during field deployment and provide practical recommendations that will help strengthen preparations for the national census in December.

He noted that the success of the national census depends on thorough planning, objective monitoring, and effective collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and citizens.

During the orientation, participants attended a series of technical presentations focusing on key operational components of the Mock Census. These sessions covered the objectives of the exercise, the specific roles and responsibilities of Independent Monitors, field monitoring procedures, ethical considerations, reporting templates, quality assurance mechanisms, and coordination arrangements with census field teams.

The technical sessions also provided participants with an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on operational issues they may encounter during deployment. Facilitators emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality, adhering to professional standards, and submitting accurate and timely reports throughout the exercise.

Participants expressed appreciation for the comprehensive orientation, noting that the training had enhanced their understanding of the monitoring process and increased their readiness to effectively perform their duties during the Mock Census.

The orientation concluded with renewed commitments from both Statistics Sierra Leone and UNFPA to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability throughout the census process. Officials from both institutions reaffirmed their determination to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Mock Census and the national Population and Housing Census.

Independent Monitors also pledged to execute their responsibilities with fairness, independence, and objectivity, emphasizing their commitment to contributing to a credible, inclusive, and high-quality census that will provide reliable data for national planning and sustainable development.

The 2026 Population and Housing Census is expected to generate updated demographic and socio-economic data that will guide evidence-based policymaking, resource allocation, infrastructure development, social service delivery, and long-term national development planning.

As preparations continue across the country, Statistics Sierra Leone has called on citizens to cooperate fully with census officials and support the exercise, emphasizing that accurate population data remain essential for informed decision-making and equitable national development.

The orientation forms part of broader efforts by Statistics Sierra Leone and UNFPA to ensure that the 2026 Population and Housing Census is conducted in accordance with international best practices under the campaign theme: “Census 2026: Leh Den Kont Yu Oh!”

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 20th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)