Statistics Sierra Leone Convenes Strategic 2026 Census Planning Retreat

Statistics Sierra Leone Convenes Strategic 2026 Census Planning Retreat

In the quiet environment of the Mena Hills Conference Hall in Makeni, senior officials from Statistics Sierra Leone convened for a two-day strategic retreat dedicated to the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census.

At the assembly, comprising Council members, directors, and technical experts, aimed to enhance inter-departmental coordination, evaluate current progress, and mitigate operational challenges prior to the national census.

During the opening session, Council Chairman Moses Williams formally welcomed the delegation, underscoring the meeting's pivotal role in steering the institution through the increasingly intensive census preparation phase.

The Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, Andrew Bob Johnny, extended his gratitude to the Council for its consistent oversight. He stated that the census is a fundamental national priority requiring high levels of precision, institutional discipline, and coordination. Furthermore, Mr. Johnny affirmed his dedication to facilitating a process characterized by transparency and credibility.

The inaugural day featured technical briefings from departmental heads. National Census Coordinator Abdul Salia Brima updated the assembly on the status of cartographic preparations, specifically noting advancements in mapping and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Subsequent presentations from other directors addressed key functional areas, including national accounts, demographic statistics, information technology infrastructure, communications strategies, and logistical management.

These reports detailed significant achievements while identifying outstanding procedural hurdles that require resolution.

Discussions also encompassed internal audit functions, procurement compliance, human resources, and the coordination of major projects such as the HISWA initiative.

Officials indicated that the primary objective of the retreat was to fortify internal systems, ensuring that administrative and technical frameworks are fully prepared for the 2026 nationwide count.

The retreat is set to proceed with further deliberations focused on optimizing organizational synergy and finalizing the strategic roadmap for the successful delivery of the census.