Sierra Leone’s national statistics agency, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), has held a regional engagement with paramount chiefs and district authorities in the country’s Eastern Region to discuss progress on the ongoing cartographic mapping exercise ahead of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The meeting, held at the Kenema District Council Hall, brought together traditional leaders and local government representatives from Kenema, Kono, and Kailahun districts to strengthen collaboration and build community support for the census preparation.
Prince Quee, Stats SL Council Representative for the Eastern Region, opened the session by stressing the importance of sustained cooperation between the statistics agency and traditional authorities to ensure an accurate and inclusive national headcount.
Abdulai Salia Brima, Director of Censuses and GIS, said the engagement sought to secure the buy-in of community leaders, describing them as “key gatekeepers” in the process. “Cartographic mapping is the foundation for a credible and inclusive census,” Brima said, noting that it enables the agency to identify all households and settlements across the country.
Representing the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, Paramount Chief Fayia S.B. Sovula pledged full support for the census and encouraged chiefs to mobilize their communities. Other regional leaders — including PC Sadie Kapuwa of Kenema District, PC Soloko of Kono District, and PC Kelly Coomber of Kailahun District — also reaffirmed their commitment to assist the exercise.
Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny said the mapping project underpins the 2026 census and will be critical for national development planning, resource allocation, and evidence-based policymaking.
Deputy Statistician-General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh reported that the next major milestone will be a pilot census scheduled for December 2025. He commended the government for its financial backing and acknowledged support from development partners.
Cartographic consultant Dr. Foluke Adebayor outlined how the process is being enhanced with satellite imagery, digital mapping tools, and field data systems, with the first mapping phase running from October to December 2025.
To promote public awareness, Stats SL distributed megaphones and logistical materials to sixteen paramount chiefs to support local sensitization campaigns.
Stats SL Council Chairman Moses Williams urged chiefs to take ownership of the process, describing their engagement as “vital for mobilizing grassroots participation.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and nationwide coverage as it prepares for subsequent regional engagements, with the next session scheduled for the North-West Region.
