By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – On October 1, 2024, Statistics Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with support from the government, convened the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee ahead of the 2025 Population and Housing Census.
This meeting follows President Bio’s proclamation on September 9, 2024, announcing the census scheduled for December 2-15, 2025.
Statistics Sierra Leone has estimated the total budget for the census at nearly $38 million, with the Government of Sierra Leone committing $33 million to support the initiative, as revealed by Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh. He noted that half of the budget will be allocated for equipment, while a significant portion will cover staff remuneration.
During the meeting, Kanneh outlined the next steps, which include establishing committees, engaging the public and stakeholders, mobilizing resources, procuring equipment, and conducting cartographic mapping to delineate enumeration areas.
The advisory committee comprises key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Statistics Council, the Statistician General (SG), the Development Secretary, representatives from various councils and organizations, as well as members from political parties and security forces. Their core responsibilities involve formulating census policies, advising the census secretariat, and leading resource mobilization efforts. The government and development partners will oversee the technical aspects and provide clearance for implementation.
Moses Williams, Chairman of the Statistics Sierra Leone Council, noted the importance of conducting the census, emphasizing that it has not occurred on the mandated ten-year schedule since 1963. He expressed optimism that, with the help of partners, the census will be completed on time, stating, “The advisory committee is crucial for generating the necessary resources.”
Statistician General and Chief Census Officer Andrew Bob-Johny stressed that the advisory committee is pivotal to the census’s success, urging members to gather financial, human, and logistical resources. “I have a dream that this census will be the most successful under my leadership,” he declared with enthusiasm.
Peter Sam Kpakra, Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED), highlighted the significance of the census for reporting on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP). “This census is one of the most important activities for our country,” he remarked.
During discussions about the committee’s formation, a representative from the All People’s Congress Party expressed commitment to support the census, emphasizing the need for a successful outcome. SKS/2/10/2024
