The government has initiated preparations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census, with a focus on utilizing digital tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency. The first meeting of the Census Communication, Publicity, and Awareness Raising Committee took place at New Brookfield Hotel in Freetown, underscoring the importance of technology in the upcoming census.

The Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, highlighted her ministry’s commitment to adopting advanced digital platforms for data collection, ensuring the process is streamlined and reliable. “We are fully committed to utilizing modern technologies to ensure that this census is conducted in the most efficient manner possible,” Bah said.

The meeting gathered representatives from the National Statistics Office, civil society organizations, and the media to strategize ways to promote public engagement and ensure broad participation. Collaboration across these sectors was identified as essential to achieving a successful census.

Statistician General Andrew Bob Johnny praised the ministry's leadership, emphasizing the significance of digital platforms in facilitating the process. "The Ministry’s role in this upcoming census is vital, and by leveraging digital platforms, we are confident in a successful outcome."

Minister Bah concluded by expressing confidence in the planned approach and reaffirming the government's dedication to the process. She also stressed the need for private sector involvement, noting that accurate population data would be crucial for national initiatives such as the Feed Salone Project.

This meeting marks the beginning of coordinated efforts to raise awareness and ensure an inclusive and precise population count for the 2025 census.