By: Mohamed Sahr
In preparation for the 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC), Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an inclusive and participatory census. This assurance was given during a press conference held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, where the institution highlighted the critical role of public engagement and the media in the census process.
Samuel Ansumana, Director of Communication and Public Relations at Statistics Sierra Leone, emphasized that the success of the 2026 Census depends not only on technical excellence and logistical coordination but also on public understanding, trust, and willingness to participate. He underscored the importance of media collaboration in driving awareness and fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
“The media is not just an observer in this process but a vital enabler of data-driven development,” Ansumana said.
Addressing editors and station managers, Ansumana added that through workshops and meetings, Statistics Sierra Leone aims to refine messaging and strengthen public outreach to ensure that no one is left behind.
He called on media professionals to bring their expertise, creativity, and cultural understanding to the effort, positioning the census as a collective national responsibility.
In support of the initiative, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, highlighted the complexity and national importance of the upcoming census.
Stating that media professionals have a crucial role to play. Minister Bah said the media must ensure that the message about the census reaches every corner of Sierra Leone. “Our communication must be clear, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to dispel misconceptions, address concerns, and encourage full participation,” he said.
Minister Bah reiterated that the census is a civic duty, as it informs policy development, guides the equitable allocation of national resources, and supports planning in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
To align strategies and foster cooperation, Statistics Sierra Leone recently hosted a two-day workshop with key communication professionals and stakeholders. Participants included representatives from Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Guild of Editors, Sierra Leone Bar Association, Independent Radio Network (IRN), Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), National Communication Authority (NatCA), Mobile network providers (QCell, Africell, Orange),Civil society influencers, Bike Riders Union,Sierra Leone Artists Union and Entertainers and online bloggers among others.
The workshop aimed to build a unified communication front ahead of the 2026 Census, focusing on public education, inclusive messaging, and strategic outreach to all demographics.
With a broad and diverse coalition now backing the campaign, Statistics Sierra Leone is confident that the 2026 Census will be inclusive, transparent, and impactful, setting a new standard for national data collection in Sierra Leone.