Ghana has taken a major step toward building a sustainably financed, innovation-driven national data ecosystem, as the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) opened its inaugural National Forum for Data Producers, Users, and Enhancers at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

The event brought together over 150 participants, including policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations, researchers, private-sector actors, and students, marking a renewed national commitment to evidence-based policymaking and data-driven development.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko reaffirmed government’s dedication to strengthening Ghana’s data infrastructure. He announced a GH¢209 million allocation in the 2026 budget to support critical statistical operations, including GDP and CPI rebasing, key national surveys, and the expansion of real-time economic measurement tools.

“This gathering marks an important milestone in our collective effort to place high-quality data at the center of national development. In a period defined by global economic shifts, climate pressures, and rising demand for accountability, credible data is not optional, it is indispensable.”

The Deputy Minister emphasized the economic value of statistical investment, noting World Bank findings that every dollar invested in data yields up to $32 in economic returns. He further revealed major reforms underway, including the integration of administrative data systems using the Ghana Card’s unique identifier, a move projected to cut future census costs by over 70 percent while improving data accuracy and continuity.

“Ghana will also introduce Ghana in Numbers, a new annual, visually driven data publication designed to make statistics more accessible to both policymakers and the public.”

Speaking at the opening session, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu described the forum as historic, being the first national platform to fully connect data producers, users, and enhancers under one roof.

“We cannot develop Ghana without the right data, credible, timely, and accurate data. We are emphasising not only data production but also data use. If we produce data and it is not used, we cannot influence national development.”

He also urged stakeholders to uphold three shared commitments, predictable financing, embracing innovation, and elevating evidence-based decision-making across all sectors.

Dr. Wilfred Chan, UNFPA Representative and Co-Chair of the Ghana Statistical Service Development Partners (GSSDP) Data Group, highlighted the importance of aligning donor support to avoid duplication and resource wastage.

“We have come together to advocate for investment in strengthening the statistical system. This forum helps us understand the needs of data producers, data managers, and data users and ensures development partners support a nationally led data system.”

The event features technical presentations, panel discussions, and group sessions on sustainable data financing, innovations in data collection and analysis, and pathways to a future-ready statistical system. Discussions will culminate in a national communiqué, outlining actionable recommendations for government, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector.