As Sierra Leone prepares for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, scheduled to take place from 2nd to 16th December 2026, political party focal persons Ahmed Saybom Kanu and Leonard Balogun Koroma have reaffirmed their respective parties’ commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the national exercise.
Their commitment underscores the importance of political will, cross-party cooperation and collective responsibility in ensuring a credible, inclusive and successful census outcome.
Speaking during a recent town hall meeting held at Brookfield Hotel, both representatives emphasized that the census is a fundamental tool for national development and should not be politicized. They called on political leaders, party structures and citizens to rise above partisan considerations and recognize the importance of accurate population data in shaping national policies, setting development priorities and promoting evidence-based decision-making.
Drawing on his previous experience at Statistics Sierra Leone, Ahmed Saybom Kanu highlighted the critical role of reliable data in driving national development.
He noted that the government and development partners rely on credible population statistics to formulate and implement development programmes, particularly in remote and underserved communities across the country.
He further stressed that the success of the census requires sustained political commitment and cooperation from all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations.
In his response, Leonard Balogun Koroma reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to supporting the census through increased public awareness and sensitization among its membership, encouraging party supporters to participate fully in the exercise. He noted that political parties have an important role to play in mobilizing communities, building public confidence and encouraging citizens to participate in the national exercise.
Both political party focal persons also commended Statistics Sierra Leone for its leadership and inclusive approach to the census process, particularly its engagement with traditional leaders, including Paramount Chiefs, Civil Society Organizations and media practitioners at various levels.
They noted that the involvement of these stakeholders is essential to strengthening public trust and ensuring wider participation.
They further highlighted that the 2026 Population and Housing Census represents a significant milestone, as it will be conducted using advanced digital technologies to facilitate the collection and processing of credible population data to support Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.
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