Ghana marks African Statistics Day, launches governance series wave 2 report

Ghana joined the continent on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to mark the 2025 African Statistics Day with a call for data-driven governance and accountability.

The event, held at the Assemblies of God Head Office in Accra, also saw the official launch of the Governance Series Wave 2 Report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

Delivering the opening address, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu underscored the central role of credible data in building a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society—echoing this year’s theme: “Leveraging Innovations in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Peaceful, Inclusive and Prosperous Society for Africans.”

He emphasized that sustainable development cannot rely on guesses or assumptions but on evidence that reflects citizens’ lived realities.

“Statistics are the backbone of development,” he said.

“They shine a light on truths we must confront and guide the decisions that shape our future.”

Governance Series Wave 2: Innovation in Data Collection

Dr. Iddrisu highlighted that Wave 2 of the Governance Series builds on modern technology and innovation, with the survey conducted via Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census frame.

The survey was carried out between July 28 and August 20, 2025, covering citizen experiences from January to June 2025.

He noted that the shift to an innovative approach allows faster, more reliable, and more comparable data over time—an essential evolution for national statistical systems.

Key Findings: Progress and Persistent Gaps

The Government Statistician outlined a mix of encouraging and concerning results across governance indicators.

Bribery and Corruption – SDG 16.5.1

National bribery prevalence dropped from 18.4% to 14.3%.

However, the share of respondents who paid bribes five or more times rose sharply from 6.9% to 24%.

Most payments involved money, with over half paying GH¢100 or less.

Direct requests for gifts by officials fell from 51.3% to 38.6%, while voluntary “appreciation gifts” nearly doubled.

Reporting of bribery incidents declined, suggesting fading confidence in accountability.

The MTTD, though still perceived as the most associated agency with bribery, saw its share drop from 61% to 51.9%.

Inclusiveness and Responsiveness – SDG 16.7.2

Citizen engagement showed notable improvement:

Those who felt they had a say in political decision-making increased from 54.8% to 68.4%.

Perceptions of complete exclusion fell from 42.4% to 29.2%.

Exclusion among youth aged 18–24 dropped from 56.1% to 36.3%.

Persons with activity difficulties also reported improved inclusion.

Exclusion, however, remains highest in the North East, Upper East, and Northern Regions.

Citizens’ Expectations for the Next Six Months

According to the report:

52.6% expect better infrastructure and improved public services.

25.9% prioritise economic stability, jobs, and business support.

“These expectations tell us that while inclusion is improving, it is not equal,” Dr. Iddrisu said, calling for reforms targeted at regions and groups still lagging.

The Government Statistician urged government institutions, civil society, academia, development partners, and the media to actively use the findings to shape reforms.

“Evidence must guide policy choices, advocacy, and debate,” he stressed.

He identified five priorities moving forward:

1. Strengthen institutional accountability and anti-corruption efforts.

2. Expand civic engagement.

3. Enhance transparency in public services.

4. Prioritise excluded regions and vulnerable groups.

5. Leverage data and digital tools for governance reforms.

Dr. Iddrisu acknowledged partners including CHRAJ, the PAIRed programme, GACC, ACEPA, CDD-Ghana, Transparency International Ghana, the Hewlett Foundation, and survey respondents for their role in producing the report.

“Statistics are the language of development,” he concluded. “If we want peace, justice, inclusion, and prosperity, then reliable data must be at the centre of governance.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith