The North West Regional team of Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) visited the Paramount Chiefs of Marampa and Koya Chiefdoms as part of ongoing preparations for the National Population and Housing Census 2026. The team, led by the Regional Publicity Officer (RPO) for North West and Port Loko District Census Officer, Mr. Denis Ayo Jones, was accompanied by two supervisors, Anne Fatima Kamara and Alfred Joseph Conteh, for Marampa and Koya chiefdoms, respectively.
At Marampa Chiefdom, the team met Paramount Chief Koblo Queen II and his elders. The RPO introduced the team and explained the Cartographic Mapping exercise, including the electronic system being used, the role of the mappers in their respective communities, and the inclusive approach involving all local stakeholders. Mr. Ayo Jones emphasized the ongoing nature of the exercise and formally sought the Paramount Chief’s permission to deploy Supervisor Anne Fatima Kamara in Marampa Chiefdom.
Paramount Chief Koblo Queen II warmly welcomed the supervisor, expressing gratitude to the Statistician General and Stats SL management for implementing a digitized system from cartographic mapping through to the census. He assured that community leaders, including section chiefs and sub-chiefs, would support the process and help mappers safely access difficult terrains. On concerns regarding employment, Mr. Ayo Jones clarified that census recruitment would be recommended by the Paramount Chiefs, ensuring fair representation and accountability, while Stats SL would maintain high performance standards.
The team then visited Koya Chiefdom, where Paramount Chief Bomboli III, a young and energetic leader, welcomed them in Barray. After a moment of silence for prayers, the RPO introduced the team and explained the importance of the Cartographic Mapping exercise, including how mappers would carry out their duties and the expected support from communities. Mr. Ayo Jones formally introduced Supervisor Alfred Joseph Conteh, who will oversee field operations in Koya Chiefdom.
Paramount Chief Bomboli III expressed his full support for the initiative and highlighted the challenging terrain in Koya Chiefdom, which borders Ribi Chiefdom (Moyamba District), Maforki, Kamasondo, and Waterloo. He emphasized the need for mappers familiar with local terrain and assured the team of support, including using local boats where necessary. Mr. Ayo Jones confirmed that two local mappers from Koya Chiefdom had been recruited and that Paramount Chiefs would continue to recommend capable enumerators for the census.
The Paramount Chief pledged unwavering support for a credible, people-centered census, echoing the collaborative spirit seen in earlier engagements with Kafu Bullom and Lokomasa Chiefdoms.
This series of community visits underscores Statistics Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusive planning and local stakeholder engagement, ensuring the 2026 Census is credible, comprehensive, and widely embraced across the country.