Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko (MP), has inaugurated a new seven-member Governing Board of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) with a clear call to action: deliver accurate, reliable, and timely data to drive national development.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, the Deputy Minister stressed the urgent need for robust data systems, particularly in an era of resource constraints.
“Good data is the foundation of good decisions. When resources are limited, we must rely on evidence, not guesswork to shape policy,” he noted.
Hon. Ampem Nyarko urged the Board to demonstrate strong, independent leadership and prioritise the delivery of relevant statistics that reflect the realities of Ghana’s economy and society. He assured members of the government’s full backing in carrying out their mandate.
The Board is chaired by Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, former General Secretary of the Ghana Trades Union Congress. Other members include:
- Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician
- Mrs. Nelly Mireku, Director of Research, Ministry of Finance
- Dr. Zakaria Mumuni
- Prof. Mariama Awumbila
- Dr. Philomena Nyarko
- Dr. Paul Kwame Butakor
Together, the team brings expertise spanning labour economics, public policy, academia, and statistical systems.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for the confidence reposed in them.
“We are committed to strengthening the GSS to play its strategic role in national development,” he said, outlining initial strategies to enhance statistical coordination, support digital data collection, and ensure better integration of statistics into government planning.
The Ghana Statistical Service plays a pivotal role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating national statistics used to inform decisions across sectors from budgeting to health, education, employment, and poverty reduction.
Reliable and high-quality data is essential for evidence-based governance, enabling transparent and effective policymaking.
It also supports sustainable development by guiding targeted interventions and tracking their impact.
Additionally, robust statistics enhance Ghana’s international credibility, boosting investor confidence and strengthening global partnerships.
With the new board in place, expectations are high for improved national data systems that support inclusive, sustainable growth.
By: J.W Quarm
