Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) successfully held a regional stakeholders’ engagement with paramount chiefs and district authorities from the Eastern Region at the Kenema District Council Hall. The meeting focused on the ongoing cartographic mapping exercise in preparation for the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
Objectives of the Engagement
The session aimed to:
•Strengthen collaboration between Stats SL and local authorities
•Promote understanding and support for the mapping process
•Enhance community participation and awareness
Opening Remarks
Mr. Prince Quee, Stats SL Council Representative for the Eastern Region, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation between Stats SL and traditional/local authorities.
Purpose of the Engagement
Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima, Director of Censuses and GIS , explained that the meeting was organized to secure the buy-in of traditional authorities, who serve as community gatekeepers. He noted that the cartographic mapping is essential to accurately identify all households and settlements, a critical step toward delivering a credible and inclusive census.
Traditional Leaders Pledge Support
Representing the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, PC. Fayia S.B. Sovula expressed the full commitment of traditional leaders to the success of the census.
Other Eastern Region paramount chiefs who pledged their support included:
•PC Sadie Kapuwa – Kenema District
•PC Soloko – Kono District
•PC Kelly Coomber – Kailahun District
They all reaffirmed their willingness to mobilize their communities in support of the mapping and wider census process.
Keynote Address
Statistician General, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, emphasized that the mapping exercise is the foundation of the 2026 Census. He highlighted its importance for:
•National development planning
•Resource allocation
•Evidence-based policy making
Progress and Innovation
Mr. Moses Williams, Chairman of the Stats SL Council, urged traditional leaders to take ownership of the process and mobilize grassroots participation.
Deputy Statistician General, Mr. Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh, provided a status update and highlighted that, beyond cartographic mapping, the next major activity is the pilot census scheduled for December 2025. He praised the financial leadership of the government, while also acknowledging the support of development partners.
Dr. Foluke Adebayor, Cartographic Consultant, presented on the deployment of advanced technology in the mapping process, including:
•Satellite imagery
•Digital mapping tools
•Field data collection systems
She announced that the first phase of the mapping will run from October to December 2025.
Support for Community Sensitization
To support public awareness, Stats SL distributed megaphones, batteries, and logistics support to sixteen paramount chiefs, who will use them for loudhailing and sensitization campaigns within their communities.
Commitment Reaffirmed
All stakeholders present pledged their full cooperation to ensure the success of the 2026 Population and Housing Census. The engagement reaffirmed Stats SL’s commitment to:
•Transparency
•Inclusiveness
•Nationwide coverage
The next regional engagement is scheduled to take place in the North-West Region.
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