Strong data systems will protect lives and guide Ghana’s development, Government Statistician says
The head of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has reiterated the crucial role of reliable data in shaping national development. According to his office, strong data systems are fundamental to protecting lives, guiding investment, and driving progress across sectors including health, economy, education, and infrastructure.
In recent remarks, the statistician explained that data is not merely numbers but a mirror of national realities, capable of revealing vulnerabilities, measuring progress, and informing the allocation of resources. In a world where climate change, health pandemics, and economic volatility are real threats, accurate statistics provide the backbone for policy decisions that safeguard citizens and build resilience.
He argued that effective data collection and analysis allow for targeted interventions. For example, in agriculture, data on rainfall patterns, soil conditions, and yield statistics help shape irrigation infrastructure planning. In health, statistics on disease outbreaks, population distribution, and resource needs aid in disaster preparedness and response. In the economy, accurate inflation and employment data guide fiscal and monetary decisions.
Highlighting recent performance by the Ghana economy, the statistician pointed to a provisional 5.1 percent growth recorded in August 2025, evidence that robust statistical monitoring can reflect real-time economic dynamics, help forecast trends, and support policy adjustment when necessary.
Beyond numbers, the GSS emphasised transparency and public access to data. The organization advocates that data should be available not only to government but also researchers, journalists, development partners, and citizens. This openness, the GSS says, is critical for accountability, evidence-based debate, and informed citizen participation in national discourse.
Experts say the call for strong data systems aligns with international best practices. In developing countries, reliable data often determines whether policies succeed or fail. In Ghana, where development priorities range from food security and health to education and infrastructure, evidence-based planning can vastly improve effectiveness, reduce waste, and protect vulnerable communities.
As Ghana progresses under the current administration, the Government Statistician’s warning serves as a reminder: policies without data are blind. For sustainable growth and resilience, building and maintaining robust, transparent, and inclusive statistical systems is not optional, it is essential.
If leveraged properly, data can transform national ambitions into measurable achievements and ensure that every Ghanaian, from urban centres to remote villages, benefits from informed governance.
