By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Statistician General Andrew Bob Johnny, who also serves as the Chief Census Officer for the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census, addressed the 7th Interparty Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting organized by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).
In his remarks, Johnny provided crucial updates on the ongoing census process, highlighting its national significance. He characterized the census as a “momentous national endeavor” that is vital for generating demographic and socio-economic data, which in turn supports evidence-based policymaking and equitable resource allocation.
“A census is essential for effective planning; without credible data, we cannot achieve meaningful national development over the next decade,” Mr. Johnny stated. He explained that the census acts as a measurement tool for decision-making, resource distribution, and a benchmark for monitoring progress over time.
Johnny informed attendees about the establishment of specialized committees to oversee various aspects of the census. These include an Advisory Committee, which comprises political party representatives to assist the Chief Census Officer, a Technical Committee responsible for designing census instruments, and a Publicity Committee focused on enhancing public awareness. The Census Secretariat will manage all operational elements of the census.
He also announced that national training for cartographic mapping commenced on September 22, 2025, and will last for ten days. Following this training, field staff will be deployed to map and define enumeration areas—a critical phase expected to take about six months. “This step is foundational; it involves dividing the country into manageable units for each enumerator,” he noted.
Furthermore, Johnny praised the Sierra Leonean government for its investment in essential technologies and equipment, including ESRI software, satellite imagery, and the Starlink internet system. He revealed that the government has allocated $24 million to the census project, with a remaining funding gap of $13 million.
In his address, he acknowledged the role of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in coordinating donor efforts and urged donors, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to contribute to the census initiative.
“This census is not a political exercise; it is a fundamental tool for national development,” he asserted.
Representatives from the All Political Parties Association (APPA) and other parties expressed their support and offered constructive feedback during the dialogue.
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