The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has celebrated the annual African statistics day, which was on the theme ?Open Data for Accountability and Inclusiveness.?
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Finance, Mr Seth Terkper described the theme for the celebration as most appropriate, since open data informs citizens on the endeavours of government and makes government more accountable.
The Minister gave the assurance that government would continue to support the Statistical Service with the required resources to work.
He underscored the need for a well-coordinated national statistical system and the support of other players such as the statistics units of government ministries, departments and agencies, to help meet the growing demand for data in the country.
He noted that the national statistical system is being reviewed, with support from development partners like the Statistics for Results Facility-Catalytic Fund (SRF-CF) and the International Development Association.
Dr Philomena Nyarko, Government Statistician, emphasized the importance of statistics, saying the current global trend is to move firmly towards evidence-based policy decision making, adding that can only be achieved using credible statistical data.?
She noted that statistical institutions in many countries are facing the challenge to provide timely and accurate data to assist policy formulation as the traditional statistical mandate is broadening to include more economic and social issues.
She noted that though African countries are making progress in improving the quality and timeliness of statistics, there was still a lot to be done, assuring the GSS is striving to do its part as seen in the monthly provision of the consumer price index (CPI) and producer price index (PPI).
Four out of thirteen reports prepared by the GSS from the 2010 population and housing census were launched at the celebration.
Dr. Nyarko announced that District Analytical Reports from the 2010 census data had been prepared for all the 216 districts and earmarked for release in December.
She also made known some of the current exploits of the GSS namely the Ghana Living Standards Survey, Integrated Business Enterprise Survey and the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, for which information will be made public in due time.
African Statistics day is celebrated every 18th November and was initiated in May 1990, by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to increase awareness about the importance of statistics in social and economic life.
GNA
