By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has announced a five-day extension of its nationwide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training, reinforcing its commitment to conducting a reliable national cartographic mapping exercise ahead of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, by the Statistician General and Chief Census Officer, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, during his virtual closing remarks at the conclusion of the initial 10-day training program.
Mr. Johnny commended the collaborative efforts of Stats SL Council Chairman, Mr. Moses Williams, the Deputy Statistician General, Mr. Lansana K. Kanneh, the facilitators, and the management team for ensuring the success of the training. He described the exercise as “one of the most effective field staff training programs ever conducted by the institution.”
Acting on the recommendations of GIS and Cartography Consultant, Dr. Mrs. Foluke Yetunde Adebayo, Mr. Johnny explained that the training would now continue until October 6, 2025. The extension aims to provide participants with additional practical exposure and hands-on experience to further strengthen their capacity for the upcoming mapping exercise.
“This extension reflects our strong commitment to delivering a credible and dependable cartographic mapping process across Sierra Leone,” Mr. Johnny emphasized. He added that the mapping exercise is a critical preparatory phase for the 2026 Census, which will serve as an essential tool for national planning and development.
During the Southern Region’s closing ceremony, Stats SL Council Chairman, Mr. Moses Williams, officially declared the training concluded. He reminded participants that not all trainees would be deployed to the field, explaining that selection would be based strictly on merit, which includes performance in exams, fieldwork, and scenario-based tests.
Mr. Williams urged participants to accept the final outcome in good faith, stressing that the selection process is transparent and merit-driven. “This is a national duty, not a political exercise,” he remarked.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of the exercise, noting that the success of the 2026 Population and Housing Census largely depends on the accuracy and effectiveness of the cartographic mapping. “The work you have started lays the foundation for reliable data that will guide Sierra Leone’s development agenda,” he said.