The Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called for sustained and innovative financing mechanisms to transform Ghana’s national data ecosystem, describing high-quality statistics as essential to effective governance, accountability and inclusive development.
Speaking at the inaugural 2025 Annual Forum for Data Producers, Users and Enhancers at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, held to mark African Statistics Day, the Deputy Minister said credible data has become central to national planning, particularly in a world shaped by economic uncertainties, demographic shifts, climate pressures and rapid technological change.
He told participants that “data exposes inequalities, strengthens transparency and drives smarter investment decisions,” adding that countries with strong statistical systems often demonstrate higher levels of public sector efficiency.
Mr Ampem outlined Ghana’s recent gains in modernising its statistical architecture, citing the successful implementation of the region’s first fully digital Population and Housing Census, the introduction of high-frequency surveys, and advances in enterprise, labour and agricultural statistics. He also pointed to the growing use of geospatial technologies and digital dissemination tools such as StatsBank and the Ghana Stats App, which have improved public access.
Despite these achievements, he acknowledged persistent gaps in the system, including fragmented administrative data platforms, weak interoperability and excessive dependence on donor support. He expressed optimism that the forthcoming National Strategy for the Development of Statistics III (2026–2030) and the Power of Data Initiative would serve as long-term frameworks to confront these challenges.
The Deputy Minister revealed that GH¢207 million has been allocated in the 2026 Budget for key statistical activities such as GDP and CPI rebasing, national surveys and improvements in economic performance measurement. He said the government is also seeking to expand the Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth to enable policymakers to track economic trends up to 10 weeks faster.
A major reform highlighted at the forum is the ongoing integration of administrative data systems using the Ghana Card’s unique identifier. According to Mr Ampem, this will drastically reduce future census costs by more than 70 percent while ensuring a continuous supply of reliable population data. Government will also introduce “Ghana in Numbers”, an annual visual publication aimed at making data more accessible to citizens.
He further disclosed that the Statistical Service Act is under review to improve the autonomy and global standing of the Ghana Statistical Service. Calling for collective action, he encouraged institutions to embrace advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite imagery, improve interoperability and strengthen capacity for evidence-informed planning.
On financing, he urged the adoption of blended finance, results-based financing, public-private partnerships and the creation of a National Data Fund. He appealed to development partners to align their support with national priorities, while urging data producers to innovate and policymakers, researchers and the media to use more data in their work.
“As we mark African Statistics Day 2025, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building a resilient and sustainably financed data ecosystem for Ghana,” he said, adding, “When we invest in data, we empower citizens, improve governance and create opportunities for equitable development.”
Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, who also addressed the forum, reiterated the urgent need for sustainable financing and innovation to reinforce Ghana’s statistical system. He described data as “the backbone of effective governance and development planning”.
“A nation becomes what it measures, what it funds, and what it chooses to understand. Sustainable development starts with sustainable data,” he told participants drawn from government, civil society, academia, development institutions and the private sector.
He explained that while Ghana has recorded significant gains in digital censuses, modernised surveys and administrative data improvements, progress is undermined by inconsistent funding. He emphasised that “financing data is not a cost. It is an investment in economic stability, social inclusion and better outcomes for every household,” referencing global evidence that every US$1 invested in data yields up to US$32 in returns.
Dr Iddrisu welcomed the GH¢207 million allocation in the 2026 Budget, praising the Ministry of Finance and Parliament, including Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, for recognising data as essential national infrastructure.
He urged stakeholders to use the forum to propose practical solutions and innovations that can be implemented immediately, noting that reliable data influences everything from service delivery and resource allocation to risk management.
“When we produce data well, fund it sustainably and use it consistently, we strengthen institutions, protect the vulnerable and open opportunities for every community,” he said.
He concluded by urging the country to prioritise predictable multi-year financing, responsible innovation and a culture of evidence-based policymaking as Ghana works toward a robust and future-ready national data system.