Professor Samuel Anim, Government Statistician and Head of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), has reiterated the agency’s commitment to enhancing access to statistical products with the development of a Statistical Online Bank. This initiative aims to increase the uptake and usage of statistical data, providing a centralized platform for stakeholders to easily access reliable and up-to-date information.
Speaking at Statistical Data Hackathon, Prof. Anim emphasized that the digital platform would significantly improve the dissemination of statistical information and make it more accessible to government agencies, researchers, businesses, and the general public. He highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making in national development, noting that a more accessible and user-friendly platform will help drive the effective use of statistics across various sectors.
Prof. Anim further stressed that this online bank would align with global best practices and modern technological trends, supporting the government’s agenda to transform Ghana into a data-driven society. The initiative is expected to be a game-changer in the way statistical products are utilized, providing a vital resource for development planning, policy formulation, and business strategy.
In recognition of its contributions to the country’s statistical landscape, the GSS recently held its annual awards ceremony, where notable individuals and organizations were honuored for their efforts in promoting and utilizing statistical data. The awards served as a platform to celebrate those who have shown exceptional commitment to advancing the use of statistics in Ghana’s development.
The event acknowledged the efforts of both public and private sector entities, as well as individuals, who have played significant roles in the collection, analysis, and application of statistical data in various sectors of the economy. The awards also highlighted the vital role of statistics in driving evidence-based decision-making and fostering sustainable development in Ghana.
Tech Titans, a team from Dr. Hilla Liman Technical University, emerged victorious at the 2024 Statistical-Data Hackathon Competition with their innovative Agrivestor app. This app identifies challenges in the agricultural sector and provides data-driven solutions to address these issues. The team received a plaque and a cash prize of GHC 20,000 for their outstanding work.
The first runner-up was the We Code Change Team from Koforidua Technical University, who presented their Agrisus project and took home GHC 15,000. Meanwhile, Coding Ladies from Takoradi Technical University secured the second runner-up position with their Aqua Guard water tester project, earning a cash prize of GHC 10,000. A total of 18 teams from six technical universities participated, with six teams making it to the finals.
The Statistical Data Hackathon is an initiative by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) aimed at encouraging innovative solutions to pressing challenges through data. It serves as a platform for collaboration among statisticians, data scientists, academics, and young innovators to analyze and solve real-world problems using statistical data.
