Investment in data production strengthens governance — Deputy Finance Minister
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has reiterated that investing in quality data production is a cornerstone for good governance and national development in Ghana. The call came during the 2025 Annual Forum for Data Producers, Users and Enhancers held to mark African Statistics Day.
Addressing participants at the forum, the Deputy Minister stressed that reliable data empowers citizens, improves public expenditure efficiency, supports innovation, and ensures equitable development. He emphasised that without credible data systems, policymaking becomes speculative and resource allocation becomes inefficient.
As part of the government’s renewed commitment to data-driven planning, the 2026 national budget has allocated GH¢ 207 million to strengthen statistical operations. The funds are earmarked for rebasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI), completing national surveys, and enhancing price and output measurement.
A key innovation announced is the scaling up of the Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG), which will place Ghana among a small group of countries using near-real-time data to monitor economic performance. The MIEG is designed to allow policymakers to respond to economic changes up to 10 weeks faster than with traditional quarterly data, a shift that could transform how the economy is managed.
Another significant reform is the integration of administrative data systems using the unique identifier from the national Ghana Card. This measure is projected to reduce future census costs by over 70%, while ensuring continuous, high-quality population and sectoral data.
Moreover, the Minister spoke about a planned publication called “Ghana in Numbers,” an annual visual, globally benchmarked statistical report intended to translate complex data into accessible narratives for the public and policymakers. There is also ongoing review of the Statistical Service Act to strengthen the independence and global standing of the national statistics agency.
According to the head of the national statistics service, these reforms aim to institutionalize a culture of data-driven governance, where evidence guides policy, social programs, and investment decisions. They argued that good data protects vulnerable populations, promotes transparency, and supports inclusive development.
In a country grappling with economic volatility, demographic pressures, and developmental inequalities, the strengthened data ecosystem is seen as a foundational investment. Analysts believe that with quality data, Ghana can better target interventions, monitor progress, and ensure sustainable development, making data infrastructure as vital as roads, schools, or hospitals.
As the government moves forward with these reforms, the message is clear: data is no longer a technical afterthought, it is the backbone of effective governance, accountability and long-term national progress.
