The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has reiterated the crucial role of reliable data in shaping national development policies and improving lives, as Ghana continues its push for economic recovery and sustainable growth.
Marking World Statistics Day 2025 under the global theme “Quality Statistics for Everyone,” the Service said data must become the foundation for decision-making at all levels — from government to the private sector — to ensure inclusive and effective policy outcomes.
According to the GSS, “quality statistics are far more than numbers. They are the foundation of progress, the mirror of national realities, and the compass for policy direction. They tell the story of our people, their living conditions, opportunities, and challenges, and ensure that decisions are based on evidence rather than assumption.”
The Service emphasised that reliable data guide every aspect of Ghana’s national life, from monitoring inflation and employment trends to tracking health outcomes, education levels, and population dynamics.
“They enable decision-makers to see clearly, plan wisely, and act effectively, ensuring that today’s policies deliver tomorrow’s results,” it said.
The GSS stressed that maintaining the integrity of data is central to effective governance and investor confidence. “At GSS, we recognise that the credibility of every policy depends on the integrity of the data that informs it. That is why every census, survey, and statistical release follows internationally recognised standards that ensure accuracy, consistency, and comparability,” the statement said.
It added that its work is guided by rigorous methodology and transparency, which continues to strengthen public confidence in official data across government, business, academia, and civil society. “When data are credible, policies become stronger, investments become smarter, and citizens’ trust in governance grows,” it stated.
Recognising the rapid technological transformation shaping global data systems, the GSS said it is modernising its operations to meet the demands of a new digital era. “As technology reshapes how societies collect and use information, GSS continues to modernise its systems. Digital tools, data science techniques, and automation have become central to how we collect, process, and disseminate data,” the Service explained.
It added that these innovations have “enhanced efficiency, reduced delays, and expanded access to real-time, high-quality information.” However, the Service noted that producing data is only part of the story. “Our greater responsibility is to ensure that statistics are not only available but also understandable, accessible, and actionable. Data must empower everyone, from policymakers and researchers to journalists, entrepreneurs, and citizens,” it said.
The Service reaffirmed its mission, stating, “Our goal is simple but powerful: to make quality statistics an everyday tool for decision-making at all levels of society.”
As part of this year’s observance, the GSS extended appreciation to its partners across the National Statistical System, whose collaboration, it said, strengthens the production and use of official data nationwide. “Together, we make every number count, because behind every statistic is a life, a community, and a future that data can help improve,” it stated.
The Service further called for a collective approach to evidence-based planning. “This year’s World Statistics Day calls on all stakeholders, in government, development agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society, to place evidence at the centre of planning and policy,” it said. “Decisions backed by quality data lead to fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable development outcomes.”
Reaffirming its commitment to partnerships and coordination, the GSS said, “Working together, we can ensure that data collection is coordinated, that standards are maintained, and that every dataset contributes meaningfully to national progress.”
Established under the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003), the Ghana Statistical Service provides reliable and timely data to guide policy formulation. It publishes key indicators such as inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as well as demographic, agricultural, and population statistics.