Accra, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ghana’s Minister of Information, has emphasized the critical role of quality, timely, and robust data in forming sound policy decisions and structural economic development. His comments were made during the climax of the 2023 African Statistics Day celebration in Accra.

According to Ghana News Agency, data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) is essential in shaping and timing governmental projects. The theme of the event, 'Modernizing data ecosystems to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): The role of official statistics and big data in the economic transformation and sustainable development of Africa,' underscored the need for modernizing data systems. Mr. Nkrumah called for increased advocacy in support of major statistical operations, stressing the importance of official statistics in informing decision-making and monitoring socio-economic policies. He highlighted that effective policy planning, implementation, and decision-making are heavily reliant on data from the GSS, promoting peace, security, and socioeconomic development.

Trade statistics, in particular, provide valuable insights into international commerce trends and challenges. Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, the Government Statistician, presented the Ghana 2023 mid-year trade report, revealing that the country spends about US$2.0 billion annually on food imports, exerting pressure on the cedi. He noted that since March 2020, global trade disruptions have led to increased food import costs, contributing to high inflation levels. The report also indicated that Africa contributed most to Ghana's trade surplus in early 2023, with China being a significant trade partner. The ceremony also called on the youth to engage in data analytics for better policy and decision-making, emphasizing statistics as a vital field of study for career development.