Ghana is positioning data as a critical driver of investment confidence and economic growth, as it hosted the pre-Global Festival of Data meeting in Accra.
Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, said Ghana is shifting from viewing data as “mere numbers” to treating it as a strategic asset for policymaking, accountability, and private sector competitiveness.
The meeting, attended by government ministers, diplomats, civil society, academia, and the private sector, highlighted how robust national data systems can improve transparency, reduce risk, and strengthen investor decision-making.
Dr. Iddrisu stressed that real-time, citizen-centered, and sector-specific data collection would not only guide public policy but also help businesses identify market opportunities and track economic trends more effectively.
“Data is now central to shaping inclusive, resilient economies. For investors, reliable data reduces uncertainty and builds trust,” he noted.
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has been working to institutionalize data use across ministries and agencies, while also building collaborative platforms with businesses.
The forthcoming National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (Round Three) and the Data Action Plan is to modernize data systems and improve access for both government and the private sector.
Importantly, this could strengthen Ghana’s investment climate, especially as the country continues to stabilize its macroeconomic indicators, including a significant drop in the debt-to-GDP ratio.
The meeting also spotlighted Ghana’s leadership in South-South data cooperation, where its innovations have inspired reforms in countries like Togo and Botswana, and boosted cross-regional collaboration with Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
For businesses, these reforms are expected to create a more predictable and evidence-driven policy environment, particularly in critical sectors such as finance, agriculture, energy, and digital technology.
The pre-festival discussions set the stage for the Global Festival of Data, scheduled for next year, which will provide a global platform for sharing innovations in data use and policy impact.
“The question is whether we will let data remain underutilized, or harness it to drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” Dr. Iddrisu challenged participants, stressing that investment in strong data systems must be seen as an economic imperative.
Stakeholders agreed that more accurate and accessible data could help businesses reduce costs, optimize supply chains, and plan for long-term growth, making Ghana a more attractive destination for investors.
