In a new development, Sierra Leone, represented by Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has been elected a member of the coveted United Nations Statistics Commission, one of five (5) African countries for a period of four (4) years from 2020 to 2023 to develop standards and norms for statistical activities and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems.
According to the Statistician General, Professor Osman A. Sankoh, this is due to the country’s transformative ethics of sourcing out, compiling and disseminating of credible data for national development ventures.
Professor Sankoh furthered that their newly adopted policy of data credibility generated interest in their activities in a matter of months, with the positive outcome of government commitment to Stats SL and renewed donor trust and funding for data collection.
Under his leadership which commenced a year ago, the Agency has published and popularized more than three reports to be adopted by government entities, local and international bodies, including researching entities. This has significantly limited the publications of inaccurate data by third parties without the prerequisite holistic image of prevailing circumstances and underlying issues.
As a member of the United Nations Statistics Commission, Sierra Leone will facilitate the coordination of international statistical activities and support the functioning of the United Nations Statistical Commission as the apex entity of the global statistical system.
