By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter, Daily Scope
In a significant move to ensure the 2026 Census message reaches every corner of Sierra Leone, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), hosted a high-level roundtable on 5th August 2025 at the Youyi Building. Senior editors and producers from major media outlets, including newspapers, radio, and television stations, were in attendance.
The engagement aimed to cultivate a collaborative relationship with media professionals to enhance support and involvement throughout the Census process. The goal is to leverage media as a key partner in public communication and outreach, ensuring the accurate and effective dissemination of Census information, educating the public, and dispelling myths surrounding the exercise.
In his keynote address, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the Census process and the media. He raised concerns about potential overcounting or inflated household numbers, which could arise from heightened public awareness influenced by issues raised in previous Censuses.
“This roundtable marks the first step in deepening our partnership with the media. You are not just observers—you are owners of this process,” Minister Bah stated. He urged all Sierra Leoneans to participate fully and honestly in the Census, echoing the official slogan: “2026 Census: Leh Den Count You Oh!”
Stats SL Director of Communication and Public Relations, Mr. Samuel Ansumana, provided an update on preparations, reporting the successful completion of the Pilot Cartographic Mapping exercise in July. He announced that training for the main Cartographic Mapping phase is scheduled for 12th August, with subsequent fieldwork to follow. This mapping will divide the country into small enumeration areas in preparation for the Pilot Census, set for December 2025.
Mr. Ansumana called on the media to act as advocates for the Census process, stressing that public trust and participation are crucial for a credible and inclusive, data-driven Census.
The meeting concluded with a lively Q&A session, reinforcing a renewed commitment among participants to collaborate in delivering a people-centered and inclusive 2026 Population and Housing Census.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
