The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive and internationally recognized 2026 Population and Housing Census following a high-level joint monitoring visit to the ongoing Mock Population and Housing Census household enumeration exercise at Hill Station in Freetown.
The monitoring visit, held on July 28, 2026, was led by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, the Statistician-General of Statistics Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny, and the UNFPA Country Representative, Kunle Adeniyi. The delegation included senior Government officials, representatives of UNFPA and officials from Statistics Sierra Leone.
During the visit, the delegation toured several Enumeration Areas where they observed field operations, interacted with census enumerators and supervisors and assessed the quality and progress of the household enumeration exercise.
The exercise forms part of the Government’s broader preparations for the nationwide Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026. It is intended to test census methodologies, digital technologies, operational procedures and logistics before the national exercise begins.
The delegation also evaluated the effectiveness of the digital data collection system, monitored the performance of field personnel, reviewed supervision mechanisms and data quality assurance processes, identified operational challenges and provided technical guidance to strengthen implementation.
Speaking during the visit, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, described the Population and Housing Census as one of the country’s most important national development activities.
She said reliable population data is essential for evidence-based planning, informed policy formulation, equitable allocation of national resources and sustainable socio-economic development.
Madam Kenyeh Barlay commended Statistics Sierra Leone and its development partners for the progress made in implementing the Mock Census and encouraged field personnel to continue demonstrating professionalism, accuracy, integrity and commitment throughout the exercise.
“The census is fundamental to national planning and development. The information collected will help Government make informed decisions that improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans,” she noted.
Statistician-General, Andrew Bob Johnny, highlighted the significance of the Mock Census, describing it as a critical rehearsal for the nationwide census later this year.
He explained that the exercise is designed to test every component of the census operation, including digital data collection technologies, field procedures, logistics, supervision systems and data quality assurance mechanisms.
According to him, the lessons learned during the Mock Census will help address operational gaps, improve preparedness and ensure the successful implementation of the national Population and Housing Census in December 2026.
“The Mock Census gives us the opportunity to identify challenges, strengthen our operational systems and ensure that we are fully prepared for the nationwide census,” Andrew Bob Johnny stated.
UNFPA Country Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, reaffirmed the agency’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s census programme, describing the exercise as an important milestone in producing reliable demographic data for national development.
He said the Mock Census is essential to ensuring that the main census is conducted according to international standards and generates high-quality, accurate and timely statistics.
Kunle Adeniyi noted that reliable population data is critical for monitoring development progress, supporting Government planning and measuring achievements under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Sierra Leone and Statistics Sierra Leone to ensure the successful delivery of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The joint monitoring exercise further demonstrated the strong partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone, Statistics Sierra Leone, UNFPA and other development partners in promoting transparency, accountability and international best practices throughout the census process.
As the Mock Census household enumeration exercise nears completion across selected Enumeration Areas nationwide, Statistics Sierra Leone has expressed appreciation to residents for their cooperation and active participation.
The institution encouraged all households in the selected communities to provide complete and accurate information to census enumerators, stressing that comprehensive participation is essential to ensuring that every person is counted.
Statistics Sierra Leone emphasized that accurate census data will serve as the foundation for national planning, policy development, service delivery and resource allocation over the coming years.
The institution concluded by reiterating the national census slogan, “Census 2026: Leh Den Kont Yu Oh!”, while encouraging citizens to continue supporting the exercise to ensure that no one is left behind in shaping Sierra Leone’s future development.
