Ghana has positioned itself as a frontrunner in data-driven governance after hosting the Pre-Global Data Festival High-Level Meeting in Accra, a gathering that brought together senior government officials, international partners, academics, and private sector leaders to advance policy innovation and South-South collaboration.
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang said the government is committed to embedding evidence-based policymaking at every level. “The government of Ghana believes that policy must be informed by facts, shaped by reality, and designed for inclusive impact to achieve the Ghana we want,” she said, adding that data-driven governance improves efficiency, transparency, and the targeting of resources.
Discussions featuring two panels explored the advantages of building stronger national data systems and expanding South-South cooperation, with speakers emphasising how inclusive data systems can boost digital rights, strengthen citizen engagement, and enable countries to learn from one another’s innovations. Speakers also noted that sustainable financing and institutional reforms are essential to scaling these benefits.
Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrissu said Ghana’s approach has transformed data stewardship into a shared responsibility across ministries and agencies. “Ghana has long been a leading voice in data transformation, combining national leadership with active global engagement,” he said, noting that the GSS’s work during the pandemic showed how rapid surveys could inform real-time policy responses.
The meeting, hosted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and convened by the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, highlighted the benefits of stronger data systems. Officials said reliable data helps track progress on development goals, guides resource allocation, and enhances trust between government and citizens.
For the tech-data community, Ghana’s stance elevates data from being a back-office tool to a central pillar of governance and economic planning. That creates demand for innovation in data infrastructure, partnerships with government, and opportunities to scale across borders.
The gathering positioned Ghana as a regional leader in data innovation paving the way for the country to help drive more equitable growth and sustainable development. The meeting sets the stage for deeper collaboration ahead of the Global Data Festival in Kenya in 2026.
