On October 1, 2024, Statistics Sierra Leone, with support from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the government, held the first Advisory Committee meeting in preparation for the 2025 Population and Housing Census.
This follows President Bio’s announcement on September 9, 2024, declaring the census to take place from December 2-15, 2025. The census budget is nearly $38 million, with the government contributing $33 million, as stated by Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh. Half of the funds will go toward equipment, while a significant amount will cover staff remuneration.
Kanneh highlighted the next steps, including forming committees, engaging stakeholders, mobilizing resources, procuring equipment, and conducting cartographic mapping.
The advisory committee consists of key stakeholders such as the Chairman of the Statistics Council, the Statistician General, Development Secretary, and representatives from political parties and security forces. Their role is to shape census policies, advise the secretariat, and secure resources, with oversight from the government and development partners.
Moses Williams, Chairman of the Statistics Sierra Leone Council, emphasized the need to stay on schedule, expressing confidence in completing the census on time. Statistician General Andrew Bob-Johny reiterated the importance of the committee’s role in securing resources, aiming for a highly successful census.
Peter Sam Kpakra, Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED), underlined the census’s critical role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP).
A representative from the All People’s Congress Party pledged their support for the census, stressing the need for a successful outcome.
