The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has called for the establishment of a dedicated electronic portal to provide public access to national statistical data in machine-readable formats to strengthen economic research, policymaking and investment decisions.
He said making underlying data more accessible would allow researchers, policymakers, academics and businesses to apply artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and other advanced analytical tools to identify trends and relationships that may not be immediately apparent in published reports.
Dr Asiama made the call on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the launch of the maiden edition of Ghana in Numbers 2025at Alisa Hotel in Accra.
He commended the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) for the initiative, describing the publication as an important national resource that brings together authoritative information on Ghana’s socio-economic conditions to support evidence-based decision-making.
According to him, reliable and timely statistics remain essential to effective monetary policy, financial-sector regulation and economic management.
As an inflation-targeting central bank, he explained, the Bank of Ghana relies on accurate data to assess inflation trends and the relationship between prices, exchange rates, economic activity, credit conditions and external developments.
He noted that the inclusion of a dedicated monetary and financial-sector section in the publication, drawing substantially on official data from the central bank, would provide a clearer picture of Ghana’s economic and financial environment.
Dr Asiama further stressed that quality statistics promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in institutions while helping businesses and investors assess economic conditions and make informed decisions.
BoG advances AI capabilities
The Governor disclosed that the Bank of Ghana was strengthening its institutional capacity in data analytics and emerging technologies through the establishment of a Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Department.
He said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to improve data governance, expand analytical capabilities and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies in policy analysis and institutional decision-making.
He also revealed that the central bank was developing a directive to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector, as part of efforts to encourage innovation while addressing emerging risks.
Dr Asiama said technological advances offered opportunities to improve economic forecasts, identify patterns and strengthen the assessment of financial and economic risks.
Inflation and lending rates decline
Touching on macroeconomic developments, the Governor said recent policy and reform efforts had contributed to improvements in inflation, exchange-rate stability, banking-sector resilience and credit conditions.
He reported that inflation had remained in single digits for 13 consecutive months, while the exchange rate had been relatively stable despite external headwinds.
According to him, the average lending rate declined from 30.25 per cent in December 2024 to 15.78 per cent in September 2026.
He added that growth in real private-sector credit strengthened significantly, rising from 0.20 per cent in December 2024 to 26.42 per cent in September 2026.
Dr Asiama said these developments were important for creating a stable macroeconomic environment in which businesses could expand, investment could grow and productive economic activities could flourish.
Youth development and access to finance
The Governor also highlighted the theme of the maiden edition, “Youth and the Demographic Transition,” describing it as central to Ghana’s long-term development prospects.
He said the country’s large youth population presented significant opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship but stressed that these could only be realised through relevant skills development, enterprise support and an enabling investment environment.
He called for coordinated efforts backed by reliable data to identify gaps in opportunities and develop policies that respond to the needs of young people.
Dr Asiama noted that a stable economy and a well-functioning financial system were essential to expanding access to finance and supporting productive economic activity among young people.
He added that the Bank of Ghana was pursuing complementary initiatives to promote financial inclusion, financial health and responsible innovation, particularly for young people, women, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and underserved communities.
The Governor urged stakeholders to view Ghana in Numbers as more than a statistical publication, describing it as a national resource for evaluating progress, understanding emerging challenges and shaping the country’s future.
He expressed hope that the publication would become a trusted national reference for transparency and evidence-based policymaking, contributing to a more productive, inclusive and prosperous Ghana, particularly for its young population.
