GSS Forum Opens as Gov’t Allocates GH¢209m to Data Systems
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Ghana has taken a major step toward building a sustainably financed and innovation-driven national data ecosystem as the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) opened its inaugural National Forum for Data Producers, Users, and Enhancers at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
The event brought together more than 150 participants, including policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations, researchers, private-sector institutions, and students reflecting renewed national commitment to evidence-based policymaking and data-driven development.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko reaffirmed government’s resolve to strengthen Ghana’s data infrastructure. He announced a GH¢209 million budgetary allocation in the 2026 fiscal year to support major national statistical operations, including GDP and CPI rebasing, critical national surveys, and the scaling up of real-time economic measurement tools.
“This gathering marks an important milestone in our collective effort to place high-quality data at the center of national development. In a period defined by global economic shifts, climate pressures, and rising demand for accountability, credible data is not optional, it is indispensable,” he said.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the economic value of investing in data systems, referencing World Bank research showing that every dollar invested in data yields up to $32 in economic returns. He outlined ongoing reforms, including the integration of administrative data using the Ghana Card’s unique identifier, a measure expected to reduce future census costs by more than 70 percent while improving continuity, accuracy, and interoperability across public-sector databases.
He further disclosed that government will soon introduce Ghana in Numbers, a new annual, visually driven national data publication that aims to make statistics more accessible to policymakers, researchers, media, and the broader public.
Speaking at the opening session, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu described the forum as historic, noting that it is the first national platform designed to fully connect data producers, users, and enhancers under one coordinated umbrella.
“We cannot develop Ghana without the right data, credible, timely, and accurate data. We are emphasising not only data production but also data use. If we produce data and it is not used, we cannot influence national development,” he stated.
Dr. Iddrisu urged stakeholders to uphold three commitments: predictable financing for the national statistical system, an embrace of innovation, and a national culture that prioritises evidence-based decision-making across all sectors.
Dr. Wilfred Chan, UNFPA Representative and Co-Chair of the GSSDP Data Group, stressed the need for better coordination among development partners to avoid duplication and maximise resource efficiency.
“We have come together to advocate for investment in strengthening the statistical system. This forum helps us understand the needs of data producers, data managers, and data users, and ensures development partners support a nationally led data system,” he said.
The forum features technical presentations, expert panel discussions, and group sessions exploring sustainable data financing, advances in data collection technologies, and pathways toward a future-ready statistical ecosystem. Deliberations will culminate in a national communiqué outlining practical recommendations for government, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
