Stats SL, MoICE Launch Civic Drive for 2026 Census in Moyamba District
By: James Kamara-Manneh
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), has intensified public engagement ahead of the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census (PHC), taking the campaign directly to residents of Moyamba District.
Held at the Moyamba District Council Hall, the town hall meeting formed part of the Civic Day Series initiative aimed at raising awareness and ensuring local ownership of the nationwide census exercise.
The event attracted high-level government officials, including the Resident Minister of the Southern Region, Hon. John Abu; Minister of Tertiary and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie; Minister of Local Government, Tamba Lamina; and Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay. Also present were traditional leaders such as Paramount Chief Foday Momoh Golama, Moyamba District Council Chairman Joseph Benedict Mbogba, other Paramount Chiefs, and representatives from civil society, youth, market women, disabled groups, and the transport and security sectors.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Statistician General of Stats SL, Mr. Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh, emphasized the government’s significant investment in the 2026 PHC, supported by international development partners.
“Procurement is already underway for digital tablets, mapping software, vehicles, and motorcycles to facilitate GIS and cartographic mapping,” said Kanneh, adding that the government is committed to ensuring the transparency and inclusivity of the census process.
Mr. Kanneh also announced that all field staff for the cartographic mapping phase will be recruited locally within their respective districts to ensure community trust and effectiveness.
“The recruitment process is progressing steadily,” he stated. “With the support of traditional authorities and District Census Management Committees, we are confident of delivering a credible cartographic exercise.”
The town hall featured an open dialogue session during which residents voiced questions, concerns, and suggestions about the census process. Stakeholders expressed confidence in the transparency and success of the upcoming census, highlighting its importance for national development planning.
The 2026 PHC is expected to provide vital demographic and housing data for policy-making, service delivery, and long-term development strategies.
