By Lemuella Tarawalllie
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Planning and Economic Development has engaged officials from Statistics Sierra Leone on preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, emphasizing accountability, public awareness, and stakeholder inclusion.
During the probing on Wednesday, 17th February 2026, at Committee Room One in Parliament, the Chairman, Hon. Musa Fofanah, assured StatSL that the committee’s role is both advisory and supervisory, urging officials to speak freely during hearings and to request additional time when needed for clarifications.
“This is your parent committee. You should feel confident and courageous to speak to your MPs. If you have challenges responding to some questions, it is your right to request time to provide the details,” he stated.
Hon. Fofanah reminded officials that Members of Parliament are representatives of the people and are constitutionally mandated under Section 93 to summon Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The Statistician General, Andrew Bob-Johnny, outlined preparations for the 2026 census, describing it as a major national exercise crucial for policy formulation and development planning. He noted that StatSL provides credible data for government and development partners, conducting surveys in health, education, mining, and agriculture to support evidence-based decision-making.
Tracing the history of modern censuses in Sierra Leone from 1963 through 2015, he explained that the law permits the President to conduct a census at any time, provided resources are available. According to Mr. Bob-Johnny, the 2026 census will use 1 December 2026 as census night, with enumeration from 2 to 15 December. It aims to monitor national development programs, provide updated demographic and socio-economic data, improve understanding of housing conditions, and gather information on vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, widows, and orphans.
He revealed that nationwide cartographic mapping is ongoing to divide the country into manageable enumeration areas, forming the foundation for the census. The mapping exercise is being conducted in three phases, with the first phase covering nearly half the country. A pilot census conducted in December 2025 in Bombali, Kailahun, Bonthe, and the Western Area tested logistics, technology, and terrain conditions. International and local observers, including the United Nations, the UK Office for National Statistics, and political parties, monitored the pilot.
The 2026 census will be fully digital, employing tablets, power banks, satellite imagery, and cloud infrastructure to ensure timely data capture and processing. Mr. Bob-Johnny noted that the exercise could cost up to US$17 million and commended the government for financial support so far. He called on development partners and stakeholders to continue supporting the process for a credible national census. He also highlighted the 50 by 2030 Agricultural Survey Initiative, conducted with the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and the World Bank, aimed at strengthening agricultural data for national agribusiness policies.
Hon. Osman Charles Abdulai, representing Bo District, emphasized the importance of MPs being fully informed about institutions under the committee’s oversight. He stated that MPs must play an active role in community engagement and oversight, reviewing activities including procurement and physical verifications. He stressed that MPs are dual-role actors—lawmakers and community representatives—and should be included in stakeholder engagements to ensure transparency and value for money.
Hon. Musa Fofanah added that MPs are among the best ambassadors for the census, conveying information to constituents and coordinating with district caucus leaders to ensure strong community-level awareness.
Hon. Rebecca Yei Sam, representing Kono District, called statistics the “lifeline of development,” highlighting that data informs laws, policies, and national planning across sectors like education, health, and infrastructure. She stressed the importance of strong publicity campaigns to prevent incidents like attacks on enumerators during past censuses. She also called for rigorous screening and training of enumerators to ensure competent personnel handle the census, especially since many may be unfamiliar with digital tools.
Hon. Komba Quee raised concerns over financial and procurement transparency, citing multiple payments to G4S Security Solutions in 2025 without supporting documentation. He emphasized that Parliament requires receipts, contracts, and evidence to verify expenditures and ensure value for money.
Hon. Sahr Koutu Momodu warned against manipulating population figures for political gain, recalling instances where people were moved from urban to rural areas to inflate numbers. He explained that such practices mislead government planning, resulting in misallocated infrastructure. Other MPs stressed the challenges of reaching remote communities and the need for logistical support and incentives for traditional leaders to encourage participation.
The Director of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Public Data and Organisation highlighted the importance of inclusive communication strategies, noting that 9.3 percent of Sierra Leoneans are persons with disabilities. He recommended sign language interpreters during public discussions and using social media platforms like TikTok to reach young people effectively.
The committee pledged its support to Statistics Sierra Leone, describing census data as the “lifeline of development.” The Chair emphasized that MPs must be involved in community engagement before the census exercise, enabling them to explain the process to constituents. He urged StatSL to maintain strong engagement with Parliament and continue providing data critical for national planning and budget processes, concluding, “When we debate in Parliament, we want to debate data, and the only lifeline we have is Statistics Sierra Leone.”
