GSS urges businesses to use data for growth, competitiveness

The Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, has called on Ghana’s business community to embrace data-driven decision-making as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the country’s evolving economic landscape.

Speaking at the Africa Business Conversation Series organised by AB & David Africa in Accra, under the theme “Business in Ghana – Is It a Game of Numbers?”, Dr Iddrisu emphasised that statistics must not be seen as abstract figures but as practical tools that can guide strategy and improve business outcomes.

“This timely conversation underscored a critical reality. Data and statistics produced by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) are not just for international institutions. They are essential ingredients for business growth and national development. Every major business decision, from pricing to market expansion, must be grounded in solid data,” he said.

According to him, the GSS produces a wealth of data relevant to the private sector, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), administrative records, citizen-based surveys, and sector-specific studies. All of these can provide critical insights for business planning and investment.

“My key message to Ghana’s business community is this. Every single statistic that GSS produces is relevant to you. Yet, these valuable resources remain underutilised,” Dr Iddrisu stressed.

He observed that in an increasingly competitive global economy, business success would depend less on access to capital or market size and more on how effectively firms use data to drive innovation and strategic positioning.

“The future of business in Ghana is not just about who has capital or market share. It is about who understands the numbers, and how those numbers are used to improve competitiveness and shape your contribution to Ghana and the world,” the Government Statistician indicated.

Dr Iddrisu outlined three priorities for strengthening collaboration between the GSS and the private sector. These include making data more accessible and user-friendly, identifying business-specific data needs, and fostering co-creation and data-sharing partnerships.

He emphasised that when businesses work closely with the GSS, their decisions become evidence-based, leading to more efficient resource allocation and sustainable economic outcomes.

“When businesses and GSS collaborate effectively, Ghana wins. The data GSS produces is for Ghana, and it is time we work together to transform statistics into strategic business intelligence,” Dr Iddrisu added.