Ghana’s New Statistician Champions Data-Driven Transformation

Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu has outlined an ambitious modernization agenda for the Ghana Statistical Service, aiming to position data at the center of national development planning.

The newly appointed Government Statistician emphasized that reliable statistics have become crucial for Ghana’s economic progress and policy formulation in an increasingly complex global environment.

“The role of high-quality, credible and timely data has never been more relevant,” Dr. Iddrisu stated, highlighting how accurate statistics support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen economic resilience and facilitate access to international financing. His vision involves a fundamental shift from traditional paper-based surveys to digital data collection methods using mobile applications and GPS-enabled tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

The transformation extends beyond technological upgrades to include integration of administrative records from various government agencies into a cohesive statistical system. Tax records, education data and health statistics will be systematically incorporated to create a more comprehensive national data infrastructure. The Statistical Service is also developing an enhanced online portal to make official statistics more accessible to journalists, researchers and the public.

This data revolution comes at a critical juncture as Ghana implements economic recovery measures and pursues its development agenda. The improved statistical framework could provide policymakers with better tools to monitor progress, evaluate programs and allocate resources more effectively. Similar data modernization efforts in other developing countries have demonstrated significant benefits for governance and economic planning.

The success of Dr. Iddrisu’s reforms may ultimately depend on sustained institutional support and inter-agency collaboration. As Ghana seeks to navigate current economic challenges, the Statistical Service’s ability to produce reliable, timely data could prove instrumental in guiding the nation’s development trajectory and maintaining confidence among international partners. The coming months will reveal how effectively these ambitious plans translate into tangible improvements in Ghana’s statistical system.