UNFPA Takes 2026 Census Awareness Campaign to Port Loko
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, has held a stakeholder engagement in Port Loko District to strengthen public awareness and mobilise communities ahead of the 2026 Housing and Population Census.
The engagement, held on 13 November 2026, brought together traditional leaders, local authorities, political representatives and other stakeholders from Port Loko, Karene and Kambia districts.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Communications Lead John Sesay urged stakeholders, particularly paramount chiefs, to engage section chiefs and community leaders in disseminating accurate information about the census. He also highlighted the need for adequate materials and financial support to strengthen public awareness, noting that the exercise will run from 2 to 16 December 2026.
Representing Paramount Chief Bai Shebura Alion II, a speaker called on participants to serve as census ambassadors by sharing the information gained during the engagement with their communities. He stressed that accurate census data is essential for national development planning and urged residents to provide honest information, while encouraging political stakeholders to put aside their differences and support the exercise.
Mayor of Port Loko City Council, Mohamed Mansarice Mansaray, described the successful conduct of the census as a personal priority, citing the consequences of inadequate participation in previous census exercises. He expressed concern that Port Loko had received a relatively low share of government subventions, which he linked to the district’s previous census participation.
Mansaray pledged to closely monitor the process, including the training of enumerators, and emphasised the importance of engaging qualified local personnel. He also welcomed the support of political parties and thanked UNFPA and other development partners for their financial and technical assistance, describing the census as an important step towards addressing Port Loko’s development needs.
The technical presentation was delivered by Fatmata Sesay, Communications and Public Relations Officer of Statistics Sierra Leone, who briefed participants on the census process and the importance of their involvement in ensuring accurate population data.
The engagement forms part of nationwide efforts by UNFPA and its partners to mobilise communities, improve public understanding and encourage participation in the 2026 Housing and Population Census.
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