By Mariama Benovia Davies
FREETOWN, October 12, 2026 The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, has called on government institutions, development partners, community leaders, the media, and citizens to work together towards the successful conduct of the 2026 Sierra Leone Population and Housing Census, describing the national exercise as a critical foundation for effective development planning and improved public service delivery.
Hon. Barlay made the call on Monday, October 12, during the official launch of the 50-day countdown to the census at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown. She described the milestone as more than a date on the national calendar, noting that it represents a renewed opportunity for all Sierra Leoneans to demonstrate their commitment to an inclusive national exercise that will help shape the country’s development priorities. The census reference night is scheduled for December 1, with enumeration expected to commence on December 2, 2026.
The Minister emphasised that the value of the census extends beyond counting the population, explaining that accurate and reliable statistical information is essential for sound national planning. She noted that the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development relies on credible data to guide policy formulation, establish development priorities, and support decisions that respond to the needs of citizens across the country. According to her, understanding the size of the population, where people live, and the conditions in which they reside will enable the government to make more informed and purposeful decisions.
She further explained that the Population and Housing Census would provide important information for identifying growing demand for public services, recognising underserved communities, and addressing gaps in service delivery. The data are expected to support planning across critical sectors, including education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure, and employment. By establishing a clearer picture of the country’s population and housing conditions, the census will help inform decisions on where schools, healthcare facilities, roads, clean water systems, and other essential services are most needed.
Central to the Minister’s message was the importance of ensuring that every individual and community is represented in the national exercise. She highlighted the significance of the theme, “No One Left Behind,” explaining that every census figure represents a human being with needs, aspirations, and a rightful place in Sierra Leone’s development agenda. She said the principle must guide the preparations for the census, engagement with communities, and the enumeration process itself, ensuring that the exercise reflects the realities of people across the country.
She also commended the efforts being made by Statistics Sierra Leone to promote inclusive participation, particularly by reaching remote settlements, persons with disabilities, and communities that may encounter barriers to participating in the exercise. She noted that reaching these populations is essential to obtaining a comprehensive picture of the country’s demographic and housing conditions. Such inclusive data collection, she explained, will strengthen the government’s ability to identify development needs and make decisions that benefit communities regardless of their location or circumstances.
The Minister called for stronger coordination among government ministries, departments and agencies, local councils, development partners, community leaders, and the media, stressing that the success of the census depends on collective responsibility. She expressed appreciation to development partners for their continued support and encouraged them to sustain their contributions as the country approaches the final stages of preparation. She also highlighted the important role of the media in educating citizens, correcting misconceptions, and ensuring that information about the census reaches communities throughout Sierra Leone.
Encouraging citizens to take ownership of the process, she urged households to welcome census enumerators and provide the information required for the exercise. She explained that the census belongs to every Sierra Leonean and that public cooperation will be essential to its success. Concluding her remarks, the Minister emphasised that the true value of the census will be determined not only by the successful completion of enumeration but also by how effectively the resulting data are used to guide policies, allocate resources, and monitor national development progress. With 50 days remaining, she called for practical action and sustained commitment to ensure that everyone is counted and that the census provides a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
