Waterloo:Statistics Sierra Leone’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Samuel Asumana, intensified efforts to raise awareness for the 2026 Population and Housing Census at the MOICE Civil Festival in Waterloo, Western Area District Council.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Asumana emphasized the critical importance of accurate population data as the country prepares for the upcoming national census. He highlighted that censuses, conducted every ten years, provide essential baseline data for government planning, non-governmental organizations, and development partners. This ensures equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure based on actual community population figures.
Asumana addressed public misconceptions and urged citizens to de-politicize the census. He stressed that over 99.9% of census data is used for national development, research, and policy planning, rather than political purposes. He advised citizens to ensure they are counted precisely where they sleep on census night to maintain data integrity and prevent migration-related distortions that could negatively impact regional resource allocation.
He further assured participants that Sierra Leone is on track to conduct its national census in December 2026, following a strategic postponement from December 2025. The delay was recommended by international partners, including UNFPA, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the US Census Bureau, to ensure higher-quality census results. Preparations include comprehensive cartographic mapping of 23,000 enumeration areas nationwide and a pilot census to test digital instruments and logistics. The mapping revealed that about 20% of the country lacks cellular network coverage, leading to plans to use Starlink satellite internet for seamless data collection in remote areas.
The Government of Sierra Leone has invested over $12 million in tablets for the fully digital census. These devices will remain government property for future surveys and initiatives like the Demographic and Health Survey, underscoring the administration’s commitment to modernizing data collection.
Asumana noted the census process, beginning December 2, 2026, has received bipartisan support, with major political parties working together to encourage nationwide participation. He emphasized the use of a de facto methodology, counting every individual where they sleep on census night, to prevent census migration and ensure accurate resource allocation.
In conclusion, Asumana reminded the public that the census is a tool for development, urging citizens to remain in their permanent homes to enable accurate government planning and service provision.