NCRA Releases 2024 Provisional Report on Vital Statistics

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has issued its Provisional Annual Report on Vital Events for the year ending December 31, 2024, detailing significant demographic trends in Sierra Leone.

This publication aligns with Section 26 (1) of the National Civil Registration Act 2016, which requires the NCRA to provide comprehensive data on vital events.

Births

In 2024, the NCRA registered 246,437 live births, with a gender distribution of 120,754 males (49%) and 125,683 females (51%), resulting in a sex ratio of 96 males per 100 females.

Stillbirths

The report documents 3,355 stillbirths, indicating a 13% decrease (487 fewer cases) compared to 2023.

Deaths

A total of 10,962 deaths were recorded, comprising 6,128 males (56%) and 4,834 females (44%). Notably, 3,223 deaths (29%) occurred among individuals aged 60 years and above. Infant mortality remains a concern, with 2,355 deaths (21%) among children aged 0–4 years. Neonatal deaths (0–27 days) accounted for 1,054 cases (10%), while post-neonatal deaths (1–11 months) contributed 487 cases (4%).

Marriages

The NCRA registered 1,069 marriages, marking a 25% increase (219 additional registrations) from 2023. The breakdown is as follows:

– Christian marriages: 574 (54%)

– Islamic marriages: 248 (23%)

– Civil marriages: 182 (17%)

– Customary marriages: 65 (6%)

The median age at marriage is reported as 36 years for males and 29 years for females.

Divorces

There were 76 divorce cases recorded, categorized as:

– Christian divorces: 27 cases (36%)

– Civil divorces: 21 cases (28%)

– Islamic divorces: 14 cases (18%)

– Customary divorces: 5 cases (7%)

Adoptions

The report notes 419 adoption cases, a 16% increase (59 more cases) compared to 2023. Of these, 38% involved males and 62% involved females. Age distribution is as follows:

– 13–17 years: 178 cases (42%)

– 5–12 years: 137 cases (33%)

– 0–4 years: 101 cases (24%)

– 18+ years: 3 cases (1%)

The NCRA emphasizes the importance of registering all vital events to enhance the accuracy of population data. Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi presented the report, urging citizens and foreign residents to comply with registration requirements.