“Our regional offices will not be left behind” — Government Statistician assures GSS Staff

The Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional operations of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), declaring that regional offices will remain central to the institution’s transformation agenda.

Speaking during a working visit to the GSS Ashanti Regional Office on Monday, April 20, Dr. Iddrisu stressed that national development depends heavily on the quality of data collected at the community level.

According to him, effective planning and sustainable development can only be achieved when local data is accurate, timely and reliable.

“Our regional offices will not be left behind. They will be strengthened. They will be supported. They will be central to everything we do,” he stated.

Dr. Iddrisu noted that officers in the regions play a critical role in gathering statistics that shape policy decisions, including monitoring market prices, conducting surveys and generating information used by government for planning.

He commended the Ashanti Regional team, led by Richard Sackey, for their dedication and professionalism, saying their work often goes unnoticed despite its importance to national progress.

The Government Statistician also used the occasion to engage staff on operational challenges and proposals for improvement, describing honest feedback from workers as essential to reform.

He further emphasised that the mission of the GSS goes beyond publishing reports.

“Our job is to produce data that leads to better schools, better hospitals, better roads and better lives. If the data does not improve lives, then we must ask hard questions about what we are doing,” he said.

Dr. Iddrisu added that management would continue to address key issues such as staff welfare, tools, systems and logistical support as part of efforts to build a world-class statistical institution.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith