Minister of Information Engages Stats SL to Strengthen Census Partnership Ahead of 2026 Census.

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education joined forces with Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) in a strategic engagement in preparations for Sierra Leone's 2026 Population and Housing Census. The working visit signals a major push toward ensuring nationwide understanding and participation in the national exercise.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, delivered a powerful message during the engagement, stressing that the census transcends partisan interests. "His Excellency the President has elevated this census among his key priorities," Minister Bah declared. "This national exercise demands smooth execution, absolute integrity, and complete freedom from political interference."

The Minister stressed that transparent, accurate data collection remains fundamental to Sierra Leone's development trajectory, calling for unified institutional collaboration throughout the process.

Statistician General Andrew Bob Johnny underscored the urgency of grassroots engagement strategies. "The moment demands decisive action," Johnny asserted. "Face-to-face dialogue constitutes our most effective information vehicle. While digital platforms offer valuable reach, traditional communication methods carry unparalleled weight."

Johnny advocated intensified regional and district-level sensitisation campaigns, proposing that Sierra Leone leverage international best practices and lessons learned from other nations' census experiences.

Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh introduced innovative approaches to civic education, proposing animated educational series illustrating census procedures. "Imagine following a typical day enumerating households," Kanneh explained. "Such content humanizes the process, builds public trust, and demystifies census operations."

These creative assets, Kanneh noted, could achieve widespread social media distribution, reach younger demographics while complement traditional outreach methods.

Stats SL Director of Communication and Public Relations, Samuel Ansumana, expressed appreciation for ongoing ministerial collaboration, particularly highlighting census integration during the recent Civic Festival.

Ansumana unveiled comprehensive publicity plans, including: Large-format billboards will be placed at strategic nationwide locations, including Masiaka Junction, Rogbere Junction, border entry points, Juba Junction, and Congo Cross, complemented by transit communication campaigns to maximize public exposure, the establishment of a dedicated census call centre, and a “Simulcast Census Hour” program to broaden broadcast reach.

Technical preparations advance with critical dates now confirmed. Census enumeration officially commences on December 2, 2026, following December 1, designated as Census Night, the reference night determining enumeration location. Every individual sleeping within Sierra Leone's borders on December 1, 2026, will be counted precisely where they spent that night.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to nationwide civic engagement panels, with Stats SL maintaining representation at district-level engagements. Upcoming sessions include February 2026 community outreach in the Kono District, ensuring continuous public dialogue leading to census implementation.

The 2026 Population and Housing Census represents Sierra Leone's most comprehensive demographic data collection effort, foundational for national planning, resource allocation, and development policy formulation.

Stats SL Communications & Public Relations Unit