The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 25 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen Ghana’s national statistical system and improve the use of government data in policymaking.

The agreements create a framework for public institutions to collaborate closely with the Statistical Service in managing and sharing administrative data. Officials say the move will help produce more reliable official statistics to guide national development planning.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the initiative will streamline the way data generated across government institutions is collected, analysed and used to monitor development programmes.

Partnership with digital sector

One of the key institutions involved is the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, which will work with the Statistical Service to strengthen the production of data related to Ghana’s digital economy.

The sector minister, Samuel Nartey George, signed the agreement on behalf of the ministry.

Through the partnership, both institutions will collaborate to improve data collection on information and communication technology (ICT), integrate digital indicators into national surveys, and enhance the monitoring of policies aimed at promoting digital inclusion and technological innovation.

Government emphasises data-driven governance

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Presidency, said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to strengthening the role of credible data in public sector decision-making.

He described the agreements as a significant step toward building a coordinated, transparent and data-driven public sector.

Turning statistics mandate into collaboration

The Government Statistician, Alhassan Iddrisu, said the agreements would transform the statutory mandate of the Ghana Statistical Service into practical collaboration across the public sector.

He noted that the MoUs establish a clear structure for MDAs to work with the Statistical Service so that administrative data generated across government institutions can be converted into high-quality official statistics for national development planning.

Senior officials attend ceremony

The event was attended by several senior government officials and development partners, including Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of Civil Service, Zia Choudhury, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, and Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance.

Authorities believe the strengthened collaboration between the Ghana Statistical Service and public institutions will significantly improve the quality of official statistics and provide stronger evidence for policy decisions, resource allocation and the monitoring of national development priorities.