By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has successfully concluded a two-day intensive workshop aimed at developing a comprehensive Communication and Publicity Strategy to guide the upcoming 2026 Decennial Housing and Population Census.
The workshop, held on Thursday and Friday, July 30–31, 2025, at the Sierra Palms Resort, Aberdeen Lumley Beach Road, brought together a wide array of communication professionals and stakeholders. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), Ministry of Technology and Innovation, National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCCED), National Communication Authority (NatCA), Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Guild of Editors, Independent Radio Network (IRN), Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Civil Society Organizations, social media influencers, mobile telecommunications companies (Orange, Africell, and Qcell), and various media houses.
The goal of the engagement was to design a unified and strategic approach to disseminating accurate and credible information before, during, and after the 2026 Census across Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Francis Tommy, Director of the National Statistical System Division (NSSD), welcomed participants and emphasized Stats SL’s commitment to ensuring a successful census. He stressed the crucial role of the media in public education and awareness throughout the census process.
“If this census is to be successful, then the media must be exceptional in educating the public about the various stages and importance of the census,” Mr. Tommy said. “The communications strategy must be inclusive, consistent, and well-coordinated to ensure every Sierra Leonean is reached.”
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, reiterated the government’s commitment to a transparent and credible census process. He acknowledged Stats SL’s preparatory efforts and urged media experts to collaborate in producing a solid strategy that will support accurate and timely public messaging.
“Our communication must be clear, inclusive, and coordinated,” the Minister emphasized. “The way we engage the public will determine the overall success of the census.”
Following a series of brainstorming sessions and collaborative group work, participants finalized a robust Communications and Publicity Strategy Document. This strategic framework is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding all media and communication efforts for the 2026 Housing and Population Census across Sierra Leone.