The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and internationally recognized 2026 Population and Housing Census. This significant undertaking is designed to provide essential data for national planning and development initiatives across the country. On July 28, 2026, a high-level joint monitoring visit was conducted to the ongoing Mock Population and Housing Census household enumeration exercise at Hill Station in Freetown. This exercise forms part of the government’s broader preparations for the nationwide Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026. The mock census is a key step to ensure the main count is accurate and efficient, laying the groundwork for a successful national data collection effort.
Mock Census Objectives and Scope
The monitoring visit, which took place at Hill Station in Freetown on July 28, 2026, was led by a distinguished delegation. This delegation included Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Statistician-General of Statistics Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny, and UNFPA Country Representative, Kunle Adeniyi. The delegation toured several Enumeration Areas, observing field operations and interacting with census enumerators and supervisors. During these visits, officials assessed the quality and progress of the household enumeration exercise, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges and successes of the preliminary count. The mock census serves as a critical preparatory step for the forthcoming national count, allowing for real-time evaluation and adjustment of procedures.
The mock census is specifically designed to test various aspects of the upcoming national Population and Housing Census. These include evaluating census methodologies, assessing the effectiveness of digital technologies employed for data collection, and scrutinizing operational procedures and logistics. This extensive testing phase ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed prior to the nationwide exercise, aiming to enhance the overall efficiency and accuracy of the main census in December 2026. By thoroughly examining each component, from data collection tools to enumerator training and supervision, the mock census provides an invaluable opportunity to refine processes and mitigate risks. This proactive approach is central to the government's commitment to delivering a strong and reliable census outcome.
Commitment to Credible Census
During the monitoring visit, the delegation undertook a full evaluation of the mock census operations. They evaluated the effectiveness of the digital data collection system, meticulously monitoring the performance of field personnel during the exercise. Officials also reviewed supervision mechanisms and data quality assurance processes, identifying operational challenges encountered by enumerators and supervisors on the ground. Technical guidance was provided to strengthen implementation, ensuring the mock census functions as a strong test for the national count. This full assessment aims to refine procedures and technology ahead of the 2026 Population and Housing Census, which is being conducted under the slogan “Census 2026: Leh Den Kont Yu Oh!”. The thoroughness of this preparatory phase shows the government's dedication to achieving a credible and internationally recognized census result, which is vital for evidence-based policymaking.
The identification of challenges during the mock census is not seen as a setback, but rather as an opportunity for improvement. The technical guidance offered by the high-level delegation focused on practical solutions and best practices to overcome these hurdles. This iterative process of testing, identifying issues, and implementing solutions is fundamental to the success of the larger national census. The commitment to strengthening implementation ensures that when the main enumeration begins in December 2026, the systems, personnel, and procedures will be optimized for maximum accuracy and efficiency. This careful preparation is a cornerstone of the government's strategy to produce reliable demographic and socio-economic data for Sierra Leone.
Ministerial and UNFPA Perspectives
The monitoring visit was led by a delegation that included Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Statistician-General of Statistics Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny, and UNFPA Country Representative, Kunle Adeniyi. Their joint leadership notes the collaborative and multi-sectoral approach being taken for the census. Madam Kenyeh Barlay emphasized the importance of the census, stating, "The census is fundamental to national planning and development. The information collected will help Government make informed decisions that improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans." Her remarks showed the direct link between accurate census data and the government's ability to formulate effective policies in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.
Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny also reiterated the critical role of the mock census in fine-tuning operations for the national exercise. He noted the importance of public participation and cooperation, which are essential for gathering full and accurate data. Statistics Sierra Leone has expressed appreciation to residents for their cooperation and active participation in the mock census exercise, acknowledging their contribution to this vital national undertaking. The collaborative effort among government agencies and international partners, particularly the UNFPA, notes a shared commitment to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the upcoming national count. This joint oversight aims to build public trust and ensure the 2026 census provides full data for future development initiatives across the nation, ultimately contributing to better governance and improved living standards for all Sierra Leoneans. The involvement of UNFPA, a key international partner, also provides technical expertise and ensures adherence to international best practices in census conduct.