Ghanaian economist Professor Godfred Bokpin has challenged the country to rethink how it talks about national issues, warning that too much of public discourse is driven by emotion, opinion, and rhetoric rather than facts.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Forum for Data Producers, Users, and Enhancers, Professor Bokpin argued that data is Ghana’s most powerful tool, far more valuable than gold or oil.
“Without data, nothing gets done,” he said. “Countries can survive without natural resources, but they cannot thrive without reliable information.”
He highlighted a worrying gap between data collection and practical use. While the Ghana Statistical Service generates enormous amounts of valuable information, much of it is overlooked in decision-making.
“We have so much data at our fingertips, yet our debates remain emotional and subjective. Imagine if policies, media discussions, and even business strategies were truly data-driven,” he remarked.
Professor Bokpin also stressed the neutralizing power of data: it cuts across political lines and personal biases.
“Whether inflation drops or economic growth rises, the facts remain. If we let data guide us, disagreements would shrink, decisions would improve, and progress would accelerate,” he said.
Professor Bokpin urged Ghana to put data at the centre of national decision-making, making it accessible and actionable, warning that only then can the country move beyond opinion-driven debates to evidence-based progress.
