By Sulaiman Jalloh
As the preparation for the decennial population and housing census 2025 continues, Statistics Sierra Leone Council has concluded its third retreat in the Northern Region in Makeni City.
The two day high-level deliberations focused on strengthening institutional governance and advancing preparations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census slated for December this year.
The retreat, held at the Mena Hill Conference Hall from Thursday, April 16 to Friday, April 17, 2026, brought together directors, long-serving members, and newly appointed council members in a coordinated effort to align national statistical priorities with ongoing census preparations.
During the engagement, the Council reviewed and tabled critical reports from the different committees including Finance Committee, Human Resources Committee, and the Police Committee, providing an assessment of administrative efficiency, workforce management, and institutional security arrangements within the institution.
In a significant governance outcome, the Council also approved key appointments across its Policy, Human Resources, Finance, and Census Committees, all aimed at strengthening oversight, improving coordination, and enhancing operational delivery ahead of the national census exercise.
A major highlight of the closing session was a comprehensive presentation by the Statistician General and Secretary to the Council, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, who briefed the Council on the state of readiness for the 2025 Population and Housing Census.
In his presentation, the Statistician General outlined progress made on key implementation milestones, and the strategic requirements needed to ensure a credible, inclusive, and internationally compliant census process.
Furthermore, the Council’s deliberations placed emphasis on institutional coordination, resource mobilization, and strengthening data systems to support national development planning.
Statistics Sierra Leone is expected to intensify its preparatory activities as it moves closer to one of the country’s most significant statistical undertakings in recent years.
