Abu Kansangbata is a former Deputy Minister of Upper West Region
A former Deputy Minister for Upper West Region, Abu Kansangbata, has said that Ghana can unlock sustainable growth by following the path of successful countries.
He said this in a statement made available to GhanaWeb after a recent partnership with a community-based organisation on a workshop focused on civic education and data analysis.
According to him, countries that have made significant progress globally share a common trait, which is utilising accurate and timely data to drive policy, planning and decision making.
“Globally, countries that have achieved meaningful development have done so by relying on accurate and timely data to shape policy, plan interventions, and evaluate outcome,” he stated.
To him, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) plays a crucial role in driving national development.
He added that Ghana must prioritise GSS by providing it with necessary resources and independence to function effectively.
Read Kansangbata’s full statement below:
Positioning the Ghana Statistical Service as a Leading Force in National Development” By Hon. Abu Kasangbata, Former Deputy Minister, Upper West Region
During a recent home radio morning show, I participated in a workshop organised by a community-based organisation aimed at enhancing civic education among stakeholders engaged in research and data analysis.
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) is undoubtedly one of the most vital yet underappreciated institutions in our national development framework.
Globally, countries that have achieved meaningful development have done so by relying on accurate and timely data to shape policy, plan interventions, and evaluate outcomes.
Ghana must adopt the same model if we are serious about sustainable development and inclusive growth. Too often, we ignore the critical role that data plays in nation-building.
We cannot talk about transforming Ghana without strengthening the foundation on which effective policy decisions are made and that foundation is data.
The GSS provides key economic indicators such as inflation rates, GDP, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI), but its mandate goes far beyond that. It provides data that can be used for planning, monitoring, evaluation of programs and the development of policies that can be used to shape practices in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and employment to improve the quality of life of the Ghanaian. These are the areas that directly affect the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
It is, therefore, imperative that we begin to view GSS not just as a technical agency, but as a strategic partner in national development. This is a passionate appeal to the government: prioritise the Ghana Statistical Service by providing it with the resources, tools, and institutional autonomy required to function effectively.
Doing so will ensure that development policies are grounded in evidence and aligned with the real needs of our people. In a future administration led by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, GSS must be positioned alongside the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) as a key anchor in our national transformation agenda.
Particularly for implementing flagship programs such as the 24-hour economy, the role of GSS in data collection, monitoring, and evaluation will be crucial.
It will allow the government to assess progress accurately, identify gaps, and re-align strategies as needed. When GSS is empowered, Ghana wins. Our nation can avoid wasteful spending, better target investments, and improve transparency and accountability.
The time has come to treat the Ghana Statistical Service as a cornerstone of national development not a peripheral agency, but a critical engine for progress. Let us act now. Let us build on data. Let us build Ghana.
DR/AE
