By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) on Monday, October 26, 2026, commenced its Training of Trainers (ToT) programme as part of preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The training brought together census officials and other relevant personnel to strengthen their capacity and ensure effective preparation, coordination and implementation of the national census exercise.
Welcoming participants, Francis Sheku Kobba, Southern Regional Statistician, expressed appreciation to the officials and trainees for attending the programme. He highlighted the importance of the training in equipping personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their responsibilities during the census.
Kobba also read a statement on behalf of the Statistician General of Statistics Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to the successful conduct of the 2026 Population and Housing Census. The statement emphasised the need for adequate preparation, effective coordination and dedication from all personnel involved.
A statement was also delivered by the Southern Regional Representative on the Statistics Council, who stressed the importance of institutional collaboration and stakeholder support in achieving the objectives of the national exercise.
Delivering the keynote address, Moses L. J. Williams, Chairman of the Statistics Council, highlighted the importance of the census to Sierra Leone’s national development.
He emphasised the need for professionalism, dedication and accuracy in collecting census data, noting that reliable population and housing statistics are essential for informed decision-making, effective development planning and the equitable distribution of national resources.
Williams further urged census personnel to demonstrate integrity and commitment throughout the exercise to ensure that the information collected accurately reflects the country’s population and housing conditions.
The opening ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Francis Etta Hindowa, a census official from Bo District, who expressed gratitude to the speakers, organizers and participants for their contributions to the programme.
The ceremony was chaired by Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Southern Regional Publicity Officer for Statistics Sierra Leone, who guided proceedings throughout the event.
The Training of Trainers is a key component of preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census. It is intended to equip personnel with the skills and knowledge needed to train other census workers and support the effective implementation of the exercise.
The programme forms part of Statistics Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to ensure that the census is conducted professionally and produces reliable data to guide national planning, policymaking and development initiatives.
Under the campaign slogan, “Census 2026: Leh Den Kont You Oh,” Statistics Sierra Leone continues to encourage public participation and cooperation to ensure that everyone is counted.