On October 23, 2024, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) held its inaugural meeting with the 2025 Census Awareness Committee at New Brookfields Hotel, Freetown. The session focused on reviewing and adopting the committee’s terms of reference, which will spearhead efforts to raise public awareness about the upcoming population and housing census.
The committee comprises representatives from key organizations, including the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (co-chair), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Bar Association, Stats SL Council Media, and Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation. Also represented were four radio and TV stations, and the Market Women Association.
Key tasks for the committee include developing communication strategies, creating informational materials, training District Publicity Sub-committees, and organizing public workshops to educate citizens about the census. The committee will work alongside the Census Technical Committee and provide updates to the Census Advisory Committee.
Stats SL Council Chairman, Moses Williams, emphasized the national importance of the census, calling on all stakeholders to support the process for the country’s development. Statistician General Andrew Bob Johnny expressed optimism about the census, viewing it as crucial to President Bio’s vision for a credible national census, with collected data essential for government decision-making.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, called the census the most significant event of 2025, stressing the need for strong communication to ensure public engagement. Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Bah, highlighted the private sector’s role and the importance of accurate data for national initiatives like the Feed Salone Project.
SLAJ Vice President Sahr James Bangah emphasized the committee’s role in combating misinformation, urging citizens to participate in the census for the nation’s future.
