By: SLENA
The Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, has reiterated its unwavering commitment to conducting the 2025 Population and Housing Census. This assurance was delivered by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, during the official debriefing meeting for the Assessment Mission held at Brookfields Hotel, Freetown.
In her address, Minister Barlay commended the efforts of the Census Planning Committee and recognised the relentless work of Statistics Sierra Leone in preparing for this national undertaking. She emphasised that the government has established a dedicated account to mobilise funds for the census and assured continued engagement with the Ministry of Finance and development partners through donor roundtable discussions.
“The government is committed to ensuring the success of the 2025 Population and Housing Census. MoPED and Statistics Sierra Leone will focus on building human resource capacity, enhancing technological capabilities, and maintaining a consultative and inclusive process to meet international standards,” Minister Barlay affirmed.
The Secretary to the President, Dr Emmanuel Gaima, further underscored President Bio’s dedication to the census, describing it as a national endeavour vital to shaping Sierra Leone’s developmental trajectory.
Dr Gaima emphasised that the census would remain politically neutral and align with ECOWAS protocols on good governance. He called on partners to enhance their support through capacity building and technical assistance, reiterating the government’s willingness to strengthen collaboration with MDAs, media, civil society organisations, and development partners.
UNFPA Sierra Leone, represented by Officer-in-Charge Sibeso Mululuma, pledged its continued support for the census planning process, highlighting its role in facilitating capacity-building initiatives and fostering partnerships.
Moses Williams, Council Chairman of Statistics Sierra Leone, expressed confidence in the committee’s strategy to popularise the census and engage stakeholders. He noted that the government’s commitment provides a solid foundation for the exercise’s successful execution.
The United States Census Bureau’s representative assessed Statistics Sierra Leone’s preparedness and commended the staff for their collaborative efforts. However, the representative identified key areas requiring further attention, including funding, capacity building, technological advancements, inclusiveness, timeliness, and human resource development.
The 2025 Population and Housing Census is seen as a critical tool for national development. It provides accurate data to inform policies and programs that address the needs of all Sierra Leoneans.
