Ghana Statistical Service signs data-sharing agreements with 25 government agencies to strengthen evidence-based policymaking

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has signed cooperation agreements with 25 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of efforts to enhance Ghana’s national statistical system and improve the use of government data in shaping public policy.

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The agreements, formalised through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), are intended to create a structured approach for public institutions to collaborate with the Statistical Service in collecting, managing and sharing administrative data. Authorities say the initiative will support the production of more reliable official statistics for national planning and development monitoring.

Officials indicated that the collaboration will help harmonise the way data generated by government institutions is processed and used, ensuring that policymakers have access to accurate information when designing and evaluating programmes.

Among the institutions participating in the initiative is the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. The sector minister, Samuel Nartey George, signed the agreement on behalf of the ministry.

Under the partnership, the ministry will work with the Statistical Service to improve the collection and analysis of data related to information and communication technology. The collaboration is also expected to integrate digital economy indicators into national surveys and strengthen monitoring of policies focused on digital transformation and inclusion.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, said the agreements represent a commitment by the government to deepen the role of credible data in decision-making.

He noted that the signing of the MoUs goes beyond administrative formalities and marks an important step toward building a public sector that relies on coordinated and transparent data systems.

The Government Statistician, Alhassan Iddrisu, explained that the framework would enable stronger cooperation between the Statistical Service and public institutions.

According to him, the arrangements will allow administrative data produced across government agencies to be transformed into high-quality official statistics that can guide development planning and policy formulation.

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

Authorities say the strengthened collaboration between the Statistical Service and government agencies will help improve the credibility of official statistics while providing a stronger evidence base for policy decisions, resource allocation and monitoring of national development priorities.

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