Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), has concluded a two-day Message Development and Communication Strategy Finalization Workshop aimed at preparing the nation for the 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC).

The event, held from July 30–31 at Sierra Palms Resort in Freetown, brought together a diverse group of media and communication experts to finalize a comprehensive public awareness plan.

Key objectives of the workshop included finalizing the draft Communication and Publicity Strategy for the Census, developing targeted messages for all population groups, crafting the official theme and slogan, and adopting a logo that reflects the principle of inclusivity.

Participants represented a wide range of institutions, including the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Guild of Editors, Sierra Leone Bar Association, Independent Radio Network (IRN), Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), National Communication Authority (NatCA), national broadcasters, mobile network operators QCell, Africell and Orange, as well as civil society groups, the Bike Riders Union, the Sierra Leone Artists Union, the entertainment industry and online influencers.

In his opening address, Francis Tommy, Director of the National Statistical Systems Division at Stats SL, stressed that the success of the 2026 Census depends as much on public trust and participation as on technical and logistical execution. He described the workshop as a key step in ensuring that no segment of society is excluded from the process.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, underscored the importance of unified communication efforts, urging participants to create clear, culturally sensitive and inclusive messages.

“All of us here have a crucial role to play,” Minister Chernor Bah said. “We must ensure that the Census message reaches every nook and cranny of Sierra Leone, dispelling misconceptions, addressing concerns and inspiring participation. The Census is a civic imperative; it informs policies, guides resource allocation and drives national development.”

The workshop concluded with the adoption of a robust and inclusive Communication and Publicity Strategy, a slogan designed to resonate across demographics and an official Census logo symbolizing national unity and inclusivity.

Stats SL and MoICE say those tools will serve as the foundation for a nationwide outreach campaign to ensure broad public engagement in the 2026 Population and Housing Census. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/stats-sl-and-moice-finalize-inclusive-communication-strategy-for-2026-census/