The Ghana Statistical Service is accusing the New Patriotic Party Vice Presidential candidate of attempting to undermine its integrity. The Acting Government Statistician, Madam Philomena Nyarko at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, said Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s interpretations of figures from the Statistical Service was misleading. The NPP vice presidential candidate at the 5th Ferdinand Ayim lecture themed: “The true State of the Economy”, questioned, particularly the single digit inflation figures government spokespersons describe as unprecedented. Bawumia explained in the lecture that inflation rate must correspond with the interest rate, cost of living as well as the exchange rate. He however observed, that whilst Ghanaians are reminded of the unprecedented sustained single digit inflation, the cost of food prices is sky rocketing by the day; that the interest rate being charged by the banks still remained high and the cedi is depreciating at a faster rate. He therefore challenged the single digit inflation figure, asking for more independence and logistical support to the Statistical Service. His comments have been heavily criticized by the ruling National Democratic Congress. On Wednesday, the Statistical Service also stated it was unhappy with Bawumia’s comments. Joy News’ Paa Kwesi Asare who was at the conference reported that the acting statistical head, Dr. Philomena Nyarko as saying Bawumiah’s interpretations to the macro economic indicators were suspect. Nyarko said to cast doubt on the current levels of inflation is to attack the integrity of the Service. She noted that the same procedures the service used in the past to compile statistical data are the same procedures it employs currently. Those procedures, she maintained are solid and of international repute. Nyarko however appreciated the use of the economic data from the service for academic purposes.