Analyst Warns Lack of Transparency in Sierra Leone’s Statistics Could Create Chaos

Lamrana A. Jalloh, Governance and Policy Analyst, has warned that Sierra Leone’s statistical system risks creating confusion and instability if transparency is not improved.

Speaking in an interview with AYV on Sunday, Jalloh said, “Statistics Sierra Leone is operating like a cult or a secret society, doing its operations without telling the people what is going on, and then they will want to come up with data and give results. This, I believe, will create more chaos than what we had in 2021.”

He emphasized that the lack of clear communication in data collection and reporting could erode public trust and undermine governance. While referencing challenges in 2021, Jalloh stressed that the problem extends beyond elections, affecting policymaking and societal understanding of national statistics.

Jalloh called for greater transparency and accountability to ensure that data is reliable, publicly accessible, and responsibly used to guide national decisions. He warned that institutions operating without oversight or public engagement can generate confusion, misinformed decisions, and social unrest.

With accurate data increasingly critical for planning and development, Jalloh’s warning highlights the urgent need for reforms in Sierra Leone’s statistical system.