Stats SL, UNFPA Conclude Orientation for Independent Monitors
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in collaboration with the United Population Fund (UNFPA), has successfully conducted an orientation for independent monitors ahead of the Mock Census for Population and Housing Census at the UNFPA Sierra Leone Headquarters in Signal Hill, Freetown.
The orientation was designed to equip Independent Monitors with the knowledge, skills, and operational guidelines required to effectively observe and assess the Mock Census. Participants were taken through the objectives of the exercise, monitoring methodologies, ethical standards, reporting procedures, and their critical role in promoting the credibility, transparency, and overall quality of the census process.
The event brought together senior officials from Stats SL and UNFPA, development partners, members of the Independent Monitoring Team, technical experts, and other key stakeholders.
Delivering his remarks, the UNFPA Country Representative, Kunle Adeniyi , reaffirmed UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone, through Statistics Sierra Leone, in conducting a credible, inclusive, and internationally accepted Population and Housing Census. He described independent monitoring as a critical pillar in strengthening transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the census process, urging the monitors to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, impartiality, and integrity.
Speaking on behalf of Statistics Sierra Leone, Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh underscored the significance of the Mock Census as a vital preparatory exercise for the national Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026. He noted that the exercise provides an opportunity to test field operations, data collection instruments, operational systems, logistics, and communication strategies before the main enumeration. He further informed participants that census field personnel are already deployed across the six selected Mock Census locations undertaking household listing, with Mock Census Night scheduled for 19th July 2026 and enumeration commencing on 20th July 2026. He encouraged the Independent Monitors to objectively document their observations and provide practical recommendations that will strengthen preparations for the national census.
Participants also received technical presentations covering the objectives of the Mock Census, the roles and responsibilities of Independent Monitors, field monitoring procedures, ethical considerations, reporting templates, and coordination mechanisms with census field teams. The interactive sessions provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarification on key operational issues and enhance their understanding ahead of deployment.
The orientation concluded with a renewed commitment from Statistics Sierra Leone and UNFPA to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability throughout the Mock Census. The Independent Monitors expressed their readiness to support the successful implementation of the exercise and contribute to the delivery of a credible, inclusive, and high-quality national Population and Housing Census.
