By Adama Makasuba
According to a recent Gambia Bureau of Statistics announcement, the country’s population has surpassed 2.5 million based on the 2024 census. During a news conference held at the bureau’s headquarters in Kanifing, GBoS Statistician General Nyakassi MB Sanyang stated that as of July 1, 2024, data from the field indicates that approximately 98% of households, representing 96% of the total population (about 2,528,456 individuals), have been enumerated. He also provided details about the payment process for census officers, noting that the remaining 70% of their payment will be issued once regional census officers clear the data and return the tablets.
Furthermore, Sanyang mentioned that the listing exercise has made significant progress, with evidence from the Geographic Information System (GIS)/cartography and synchronized data showing that 99% of structures in the country have been listed. However, efforts are underway to determine if any unaccounted structures are due to syncing or data transmission problems.
In conclusion, the official date for the enumeration exercise has expired, and the bureau is now focused on conducting the mapping exercise. Households still needing to be covered are encouraged to call 1242 and participate in the enumeration process.