Sierra Leone launches population census

Sierra Leone has launched the 2014 population census on Tuesday, the fifth since the West African country gained independence in 1961. The first census was held in 1963 and the fourth in 2004, when the country registered 6 million population. In 2014, the census kicked off Tuesday involves close to 10.5 million U. S. dollars. The Statistician General says the office has received 60 percent of the funding, with the rest to come from the government and donor partners. In his address, President Ernerst Koroma said all Sieera Leoneans should "stand up and be counted." He said there is need to know how many adults, men, women, youths and children are in the country, including their education and health profiles together with their accommodation and occupation status. "We need to know all these as we commence the implementation of our Agenda for prosperity. All must stand up and be counted; all must be included and all must come together to ensure that we have a census that will stand the test of time." "With appropriate and correct data, a country plans better, implements its programs better and the possibilities of meeting targets are better enhanced." said Koroma. Minister of Finance Kaifall Marrah said the wealth of a nation is measured by its people and not necessarily its mineral resources.