Ghana Statistical Service marks World Statistics Day, championing quality data for national development

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has joined the global community to mark World Statistics Day, reaffirming the vital role of quality data in driving inclusive and sustainable national development.

This year’s celebration, themed “Quality Statistics for Everyone,” underscores the importance of trusted, relevant, and high-quality data in shaping effective policies and improving livelihoods.

In a statement issued by the Service, GSS highlighted that reliable statistics are not just numbers but “the foundation of progress, the mirror of national realities, and the compass for policy direction.”

"Quality statistics tell the story of our people—their living conditions, opportunities, and challenges—and ensure that decisions are based on evidence rather than assumption,” the statement read.

The Service emphasised that data plays a crucial role in every sphere of national life—from monitoring inflation, employment, and population growth to tracking progress in health, education, and agriculture.

“Reliable data convert development ambitions into measurable action,” GSS stated. “They enable decision-makers to see clearly, plan wisely, and act effectively, ensuring that today’s policies deliver tomorrow’s results.”

GSS reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international standards in data collection and reporting. The Service noted that every census, survey, and statistical release is guided by rigorous methodology and transparency to ensure accuracy, consistency, and comparability.

“When data are credible, policies become stronger, investments become smarter, and citizens’ trust in governance grows,” the statement said.

As part of its efforts to keep pace with the global data revolution, GSS revealed that it is investing heavily in digital transformation—integrating modern tools such as automation, data science, and real-time analytics into its operations.

These innovations, the Service noted, have “enhanced efficiency, reduced delays, and expanded access to high-quality information.”

But beyond producing data, GSS stressed the importance of making statistics accessible and understandable to all.

"Our greater responsibility is to ensure that data empower everyone—from policymakers and researchers to journalists, entrepreneurs, and citizens,” the Service said.

“Our goal is simple but powerful: to make quality statistics an everyday tool for decision-making at all levels of society.”

The GSS extended appreciation to its partners across the National Statistical System (NSS) for their continued collaboration in strengthening the production and use of official data in Ghana.

It called on all stakeholders—government agencies, academia, civil society, development partners, and the private sector—to place evidence at the heart of national planning.

“Decisions backed by quality data lead to fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable development outcomes,” the statement noted.

The Ghana Statistical Service is mandated under Section 3 of the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003) to produce comprehensive, reliable, and timely data to guide national development.

GSS provides key economic indicators such as inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), alongside demographic, agricultural, and social statistics from regular censuses and surveys.

The data produced by GSS are used widely across government, business, academia, civil society, and development organisations to inform evidence-based decision-making.

As Ghana advances its development agenda, the Service reiterated one central message:

"Quality statistics are for everyone—and they belong to everyone.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith