Deputy Finance Minister calls for sustainable investment in data systems at 2025 annual forum

Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has underscored the need for sustainable and innovative financing to strengthen Ghana’s national data ecosystem.

He made the call at the inaugural 2025 Annual Forum for Data Producers, Users and Enhancers, held at the Alisa Hotel to commemorate African Statistics Day.

Addressing participants, the Deputy Minister said the forum marked an important milestone in efforts to position high-quality data at the centre of national development and inclusive progress.

He noted that as global conditions continue to evolve rapidly—driven by economic uncertainties, climate pressures, demographic changes and technological disruptions—credible data has become indispensable.

“Data exposes inequalities, strengthens transparency and drives smarter investment decisions,” he said, adding that countries with strong statistical systems achieve significantly better public-sector efficiency.

Hon. Ampem highlighted Ghana’s progress in modernising its statistical systems, citing the successful rollout of West Africa’s first fully digital Population and Housing Census, the introduction of high-frequency surveys, expanded enterprise and agricultural statistics, and the integration of geospatial technologies.

Digital dissemination tools such as StatsBank and the Ghana Stats App, he said, have also improved accessibility and public engagement.

Despite these gains, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including fragmented administrative data systems, limited interoperability and heavy 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 provide a coherent, long-term framework for investment and reform.

The Deputy Minister revealed that the 2026 National Budget has allocated GH¢207 million to key statistical activities, including GDP and CPI rebasing, national surveys and enhancements in economic performance measurement.

He also announced plans to scale up the Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG), which will allow policymakers to respond to economic trends up to 10 weeks faster.

A major reform, he said, is the integration of administrative data systems using the Ghana Card’s unique identifier—a move expected to reduce future census costs by more than 70 percent and ensure continuous supply of reliable data.

Additionally, government is set to launch “Ghana in Numbers,” an annual visual data publication aimed at making statistics more accessible and compelling.

Hon. Ampem further disclosed that the Statistical Service Act is under review to strengthen the independence and global standing of the Ghana Statistical Service.

Calling for coordinated action, he urged institutions to promote interoperability, embrace advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite imagery, and strengthen capacities for data-driven planning and monitoring.

He also outlined innovative financing models including blended finance, results-based financing, public-private partnerships and the establishment of a National Data Fund.

To development partners, he appealed for stronger coordination and alignment with national priorities.

He encouraged data producers to embed innovation in their operations, and charged policymakers, researchers and the media to demand and use more data.

The private sector, he noted, stands to benefit significantly from opportunities within the data economy.

“As we mark African Statistics Day 2025, let us reaffirm our collective 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.”

He urged participants to propose practical strategies to build a coordinated, future-ready data system and wished them productive deliberations as they work to unlock the full potential of data for national development.

On his part, Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, emphasised the urgent need for sustainable financing and innovation to reinforce Ghana’s national statistical system, describing data as the backbone of effective governance and development planning.

He made the remarks at the 2025 Annual Forum for Data Producers, Users, and Enhancers, held on Monday at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

Addressing stakeholders from government agencies, development organisations, civil society, academia and the private sector, Dr. Iddrisu said the forum represents the heart of Ghana’s data landscape—bringing together the people who produce data, those who rely on it and those who enhance its usefulness.

“A nation becomes what it measures, what it funds, and what it chooses to understand. Sustainable development starts with sustainable data,” he noted.

This year’s forum is being held under the theme: “Financing Innovations in Data and Statistics for Sustainable and Inclusive Development.”

Dr. Iddrisu linked the discussion to the recent commemoration of African Statistics Day, stressing that good policy, effective budgeting, credible evaluations and national progress on both the SDGs and Ghana’s Medium-Term Development Framework depend on quality data.

“Good policy is impossible without good data. When the numbers are clear, decisions become smarter, fairer and more accountable,” he said.

The Government Statistician highlighted significant gains made in recent years, including the 2021 fully digital Population and Housing Census—the first of its kind in the region—as well as modernised business, labour, agricultural and household surveys.

He also cited growing improvements in administrative data, interoperability and the introduction of new insight tools such as the Governance Series.

According to him, these successes reflect sustained partnerships and a national commitment to evidence-driven planning.

Looking ahead, Dr. Iddrisu pointed to the third National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS III) as the blueprint that will anchor future reforms.

The Power of Data Initiative, launched in 2024, will also deepen collaboration across government and society to ensure data becomes more visible, usable and influential in shaping national outcomes.

Dr. Iddrisu warned that Ghana's progress in data systems rests on a fragile foundation of inconsistent funding.

Innovation, he said, cannot thrive without predictable, long-term financing.

“Financing data is not a cost. It is an investment in economic stability, social inclusion and better outcomes for every household,” he stressed.

He referenced global evidence showing that every US$1 invested in data generates up to US$32 in returns through smarter policies and reduced inefficiencies.

The Government Statistician welcomed the GH¢207 million allocated in the 2026 Budget to support key statistical operations such as rebasing the GDP and CPI.

He commended the Ministry of Finance and Parliament—particularly Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson—for their leadership in prioritising data as essential national infrastructure.

Dr. Iddrisu called on development partners, private sector actors, civil society and academia to deepen collaboration, especially in financing, capacity-building, administrative data improvement and embedding evidence into national policy and budgeting processes.

He urged stakeholders to use the forum to develop practical solutions, test ideas and propose innovations that can be implemented immediately.

As he wrapped up, Dr. Iddrisu reminded participants that data affects every aspect of development—from who receives public services to how resources are allocated and how risks are managed.

“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 encouraged all stakeholders to commit to three priorities: advocating for predictable multi-year financing, embracing responsible innovation and elevating a culture of evidence-based policy.

The Government Statistician officially welcomed participants to the 2025 Forum and expressed hope for a day of bold ideas and workable solutions to advance Ghana’s data-driven development journey.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith