- GSS plans to start producing regional and district economic data in 2026 after completing GDP rebasing
- Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu addresses the need for data reforms and review of the Statistical Service Act
- Prof. Godfried Bokpin advocates for academic institutions to integrate GSS data into curricula
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has announced plans to begin publishing regional and district-level economic growth data starting in 2026. This initiative will follow the completion of the ongoing rebasing exercise, which aims to update economic structures and integrate new data for more accurate modeling of key indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, and others.
Addressing concerns over the lack of sector-specific data, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu reassured that the GSS is implementing reforms, including amendments to the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003), which will enhance Ghana’s data collection processes.
Speaking at the Africa Business Conversation, a thought leadership event organized by AB and David, Dr. Iddrisu emphasized the importance of the rebasing exercise, noting that it would enable the GSS to report GDP at the regional level once completed.
“We are very focused on regional and district data. Currently, we are working on the GDP rebasing. When this is completed, it will give us the opportunity to potentially report GDP by region,” he explained. “Rebasing is already underway, and we expect to finish by next year.”
Regarding the review of the Statistical Service Act, Dr. Iddrisu highlighted the need for legal reforms to ensure better data-sharing between institutions. “Reviewing the laws will empower us to collect data more efficiently and make the GSS a world-class data provider,” he added.
Senior Partner at AB and David, David Ofosu-Dorte, encouraged businesses to take full advantage of the data available from the GSS, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in business strategy.
“We must acknowledge the work of the GSS. There is a wealth of data they publish that businesses should pay attention to. Many businesses are either unaware of this data or fail to incorporate it into their strategic plans,” he noted. “Such data can significantly improve corporate strategies.”
Professor Godfried Bokpin, a lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School and a panelist at the event, also called on academic institutions to integrate GSS data into their teaching. He stressed the need for curricula to be adjusted to better align with the evolving demands of the industry.
“The Africa Business Conversation, much like the AB and David Crystal Ball, serves as a platform for bringing together business leaders, strategists, and policymakers to address critical issues impacting businesses and the economy as a whole,” he said.
