Freetown: Statistics Sierra Leone convened its Technical Committee at Brookfields Hotel to update Ministries, Departments, and Agencies on the Pilot Cartographic Mapping phase ahead of the 2026 Population and Housing Census. The gathering brought together high-level stakeholders from MDAs and development partners to discuss progress and challenges encountered during the pilot mapping phase.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the meeting was inaugurated by Moses Williams, Chairman of the Council for Statistics Sierra Leone, who commended the Technical Committee members for their unwavering support. He highlighted the value-chain experiences shared over nearly a year, noting that the mapping updates provide critical insights into the initial cartographic phase.
Representing the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Senior Economist Manzo Kargbo praised Statistics Sierra Leone's management for the progress made in cartographic mapping. He described the process as a roadmap for producing accurate and credible data-driven results and emphasized the census's critical importance. Mr. Kargbo pledged MoPED's continued engagement in reviewing successes, addressing challenges, and implementing improvements.
Mr. Samuel Pamer, representing UNFPA, described the meeting as a transition from a dress rehearsal to the final census phase. He acknowledged Statistics Sierra Leone's leadership throughout the mapping and pilot exercises and explained that UNFPA facilitated an independent monitoring mechanism for the Pilot Census. This involved local and international monitors from various organizations, ensuring objective real-time assessment across different districts. The feedback highlighted progress with digital tablets and data transmission, while also identifying issues needing resolution to strengthen data integrity.
Mr. Pamer called for enhanced communication strategies to build public trust and the recruitment and training of future enumerators. He reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to providing technical assistance and coordination support, emphasizing the significance of census data for attracting sustainable development and socio-economic growth.
Deputy Statistician General Mr. Lansana Kanneh, delivering the keynote statement for the Statistician General, expressed gratitude for the committee's ongoing commitment. He emphasized the importance of cartographic mapping updates in assessing successes and challenges and fostering improved designs for a successful census. He highlighted the role of census data in monitoring progress for the Medium-Term National Development Plan via an established dashboard.
Mr. Kanneh encouraged participants to validate successes, address challenges, and improve lapses for credible national development. He noted the unprecedented presence of national and international independent monitors, showcasing a commitment to transparency and credibility. He concluded by expressing appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for funding the census and acknowledged the support of UNFPA and Irish Aid.
The meeting featured presentations by key personnel, including Consultant for Cartographic Mapping Dr. Foluke Yetunde-Adebayo and National Census Coordinator Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima, who provided updates on the 2026 census. Director of the National Statistics System Mr. Francis B.J. Tommy shared findings from independent monitoring, noting significant achievements and challenges from the pilot mapping process.
The sessions were coordinated by Director of Communication and Public Relations Mr. Samuel A. Ansumana, who underscored the Technical Committee's critical role in achieving census objectives. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Madam Mahawa Kondeh, who acknowledged the contributions of UNFPA, the Technical Committee, and Statistics staff.