The Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has urged the adoption of sustainable and innovative financing models to strengthen Ghana’s national data ecosystem, describing credible statistics as essential for effective governance and inclusive development.
Speaking at the inaugural 2025 Annual Forum for Data Producers, Users and Enhancers in Accra held as part of African Statistics Day celebrations Mr. Ampem said high-quality data has become central to national planning in an era marked by economic volatility, demographic changes, climate challenges and rapid technological advancements.
“Data exposes inequalities, strengthens transparency and drives smarter investment decisions,” he told participants, adding that countries with robust statistical systems tend to demonstrate higher levels of public sector efficiency.
Progress and Persistent Gaps
Mr. Ampem highlighted Ghana’s progress in modernising its data systems, including Africa’s first fully digital Population and Housing Census, the introduction of high-frequency surveys, and improvements in enterprise, labour and agricultural statistics.
He also cited increased use of geospatial tools and digital data platforms such as StatsBank and the Ghana Stats App.
Despite these gains, he acknowledged gaps in interoperability, fragmented administrative data systems and continued reliance on donor funding. He expressed confidence that the upcoming National Strategy for the Development of Statistics III (2026–2030) and the Power of Data Initiative would address these weaknesses.
GH¢207 Million Budget Allocation
The Deputy Minister announced that GH¢207 million has been earmarked in the 2026 Budget to support major statistical activities, including GDP and CPI rebasing, national surveys and upgrades to economic performance measurement.
Government is also working to expand the Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth to allow policymakers to track key trends up to 10 weeks earlier.
A key reform underway is the integration of administrative data systems using the Ghana Card’s unique identifier. According to Mr. Ampem, this integration will reduce future census costs by more than 70 percent while ensuring continuous generation of reliable population data.
He added that government will soon introduce Ghana in Numbers, an annual visual data publication for the public.
He also revealed that the Statistical Service Act is being reviewed to strengthen the autonomy and global credibility of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
He urged institutions to embrace technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite imagery and interoperable systems to improve data quality and accessibility.
On financing, Mr. Ampem called for blended finance models, results-based financing, public-private partnerships and the establishment of a National Data Fund.
He appealed to development partners to align support with national priorities and encouraged policymakers, researchers and the media to make greater use of data.
“As we mark African Statistics Day 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a resilient and sustainably financed data ecosystem for Ghana,” he said. “When we invest in data, we empower citizens, improve governance and create opportunities for equitable development.”
GSS Reiterates Need for Sustainable Funding
Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, echoed the Deputy Minister’s call for sustainable financing, describing 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,” he said. “Sustainable development starts with sustainable data.”
He noted that while Ghana has achieved major milestones in digital censuses and modernised surveys, inconsistent funding continues to undermine progress. Citing global findings, he emphasised that every US$1 invested in data yields up to US$32 in returns.
Dr. Iddrisu welcomed the GH¢207 million allocation for 2026 and commended the Ministry of Finance and Parliament, including Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for recognising data as critical national infrastructure. He urged stakeholders to propose practical innovations that can be implemented immediately.
“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 calling for predictable multi-year financing, responsible innovation and a national culture of evidence-based policymaking as Ghana advances toward a resilient, future-ready data system.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
