Mahama Urges New Statistician to Uphold Truth, No Matter the Discomfort
Mahama Calls for Uncompromising Truth in National Data as New Government Statistician Takes Office
- Mahama urges the new Government Statistician to ensure national data remains accurate, credible, and free
- Emphasizes that reliable data is crucial for informed decision-making
- Dr. Iddrisu commits to using technology to improve data efficiency
President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the importance of truth and integrity in the national statistics provided by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
Speaking at the swearing-in of the newly appointed Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, at the Jubilee House on Friday, May 2, Mahama urged that all data disseminated by the GSS should be accurate, credible, and free from manipulation or political influence.
Mahama underscored the crucial role that reliable data plays in driving development and informed decision-making.
He urged Dr. Iddrisu to uphold the highest standards of objectivity, despite any external pressures, and to deliver data that accurately reflects the reality, even when it’s uncomfortable.
“Statistical integrity is essential, not optional,” Mahama said. “Citizens must trust the figures shared by the service, knowing they are objective and unaffected by political interference. Investors and development partners must have confidence that Ghana’s economic data is reliable and verifiable.”
In his speech, Mahama also called for increased collaboration with various stakeholders, including ministries, civil society, and the private sector, to strengthen the culture of data-driven decision-making within the government.
Dr. Iddrisu, in his remarks, pledged that the Ghana Statistical Service would adopt technology-driven strategies to enhance efficiency and meet the evolving data needs of the nation.
He outlined several plans to improve data collection, including fast-tracking the release of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data and producing more localized statistics to inform development strategies at the district level.
“We are committed to providing credible, timely, and relevant data to support Ghana’s socioeconomic development agenda,” Dr. Iddrisu said, outlining plans to improve GDP estimates, inflation tracking, and data collection on rural-urban price differences.
