By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
On December 5th 2024.Minister Kenyeh Barley of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) co-chaired the 4th Ministerial Data and Evidence Policy Advisory Committee (DEPAC) Meeting alongside representatives from the United Nations, the World Bank, and the German Chargé d’Affaires.
The meeting convened in Freetown and focused on the critical role of data and statistics in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and preparations for the upcoming 2025 Census.
This gathering brought together key stakeholders to discuss how robust data systems can enhance government transparency and accountability while ensuring that development initiatives are effectively tracked and assessed.
Minister Barley emphasized the importance of data in decision-making processes, stating, “Effective use of data and statistics is essential for the successful implementation of our national development agenda.”
The meeting also aimed to strengthen collaboration between the government and international partners in building a comprehensive data framework that supports evidence-based policy-making.
With the 2025 Census on the horizon, participants discussed strategies to ensure accurate data collection and analysis, which are vital for planning and resource allocation.
The focus on data utilization comes at a crucial time as Sierra Leone seeks to improve its socio-economic landscape and achieve sustainable development goals.
By enhancing data-driven approaches, the government aims to foster greater efficiency in public service delivery and enhance the overall quality of life for its citizens.
As the meeting concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism about the potential impact of improved data systems on national development efforts, setting a strong foundation for future initiatives in Sierra Leone.