Minister Barlay Leads Joint Monitoring Visit on 2026 Mock Census Enumeration in Freetown

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay on Tuesday led joint monitoring visit reviewing household enumeration under the 2026 Mock Population and Housing Census at Hill Station, Freetown, as authorities stepped up preparations for the nationwide count scheduled for December.

The delegation included Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny and United Nations Population Fund Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Statistics Sierra Leone and UNFPA.

The team visited several enumeration areas, observed field staff at work, engaged enumerators and assessed data-collection procedures as part of efforts to strengthen operational readiness for the main census exercise.

Officials said the monitoring visit was aimed at testing digital data-collection tools, reviewing field logistics and supervision systems, checking data-quality assurance measures and identifying operational gaps that could be resolved before the full census begins.

Speaking during the visit, Barlay reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting a transparent and inclusive census, describing the exercise as essential for evidence-based planning, fair resource allocation and sustainable national development.

She commended Statistics Sierra Leone and its development partners for their technical support and urged field workers to maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism throughout the exercise.

Johnny said the mock census serves as a key rehearsal for the full Population and Housing Census planned for December 2026.

“The Mock Census allows us to stress-test our methodologies, digital systems, field management and quality-control mechanisms in real-world settings,” Johnny said. “Lessons learned here will ensure full operational readiness for the main headcount.”

Adeniyi said UNFPA would continue providing technical and financial support to Sierra Leone’s statistical system, adding that rigorous field testing was critical to producing reliable and disaggregated population data needed to guide national policy and measure progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

As household enumeration for the mock census nears completion in selected areas nationwide, Statistics Sierra Leone thanked participating communities for their cooperation and urged residents in designated sites to continue supporting field teams by providing accurate information.

“Census 2026: Leh Den Kont Yu Oh!”