Prez. Mahama swears in Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu as new Government Statistician

President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu as the new Government Statistician of Ghana, with a charge to lead the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) into a new era of data-driven governance and national transformation.

At a ceremony attended by the Minister for Finance, dignitaries, and development partners, Dr. Iddrisu pledged to reposition the GSS as a world-class, technology-driven institution that anchors public policy and socio-economic planning in credible and timely data.

“I accept this appointment not merely as an office, but as a sacred call to national duty. It is a call to place data and evidence at the heart of governance,” Dr. Iddrisu said in his inaugural remarks.

Outlining his vision, Dr. Iddrisu committed to aligning statistical production with national development priorities, including key government initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy Policy, the Agriculture for Transformation Agenda, the Adwumawura Programme, and the National Apprenticeship Programme.

He announced bold reforms in price and economic activity statistics—particularly institutionalising the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) every three years and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) every five years—as well as the expansion of district-level data reporting and the regularisation of employment and unemployment data on a quarterly basis.

With over 27 years of experience in economic policy, public finance, and statistical research, Dr. Iddrisu brings a wealth of expertise to the role.

He currently serves as the Director of Economic Strategy and Research at the Ministry of Finance and has held key roles across several divisions within the Ministry.

The swearing-in marks a significant milestone in the Mahama administration’s push for an inclusive, evidence-led development agenda.

Dr. Iddrisu vowed to work closely with institutions like the Bank of Ghana, civil society, academia, and international partners to elevate the role of statistics in shaping Ghana’s future.

“Together, let us build a data-driven Ghana, where evidence shapes policy, empowers communities, and unlocks opportunities for every citizen,” he concluded.

BRIEF PROFILE

Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu is a distinguished economist with over 27 years of expertise in economic policy management, public finance, development economics, climate change financing,

petroleum revenue management, and economic integration.

He has an extensive publication record in these domains and has made significant contributions to Ghana's economic development.

Currently, Dr. Iddrisu serves as the Chief Economics Officer and

Director of the Economic Strategy and Research Division (ESRD) at Ghana's Ministry of Finance. In this capacity, he leads strategiceconomic research, policy analysis, and the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at advancing the nation’s economic goals.

Over the years, Dr. Iddrisu has held several key leadership roles within the Ministry of Finance.

These include Director of the Economic Planning Division (EPD), the Real Sector Division (RSD), and the Economic Research and Forecasting Division (ERFD). His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping Ghana’s economic policies and strategies.

Beyond his work at the Ministry, Dr. Iddrisu has served on numerous governing boards, councils, and committees, where his extensive knowledge and leadership have significantly influenced national development initiatives.

He has also collaborated with leading global organizations,

including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, African Union (AU), and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and has consulted for various international and local institutions.

Dr. Iddrisu’s outstanding contributions to public service have earned him multiple accolades, including being named "Best Director" in Ghana’s Civil Service for four years (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022).

These awards recognize his exceptional performance, commitment, and dedication to duty.

Dr. Iddrisu’s teaching engagements reflect his commitment to academic excellence, capacity-building, and knowledge dissemination in key areas of economics, public policy, and

development contributing to the education and professional development of students and government staff alike.

Dr. Iddrisu holds a PhD and Master’s degree in International Development Studies from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan.

He also earned an MPhil in Economics and a BA in Economics and Statistics from the University of Ghana, Legon.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith