Ghana is stepping up efforts to integrate inclusive data into its national statistical systems as the second phase of a global initiative aimed at improving development data begins, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu said.
Dr.Iddrisu announced Ghana’s participation in the next stage of the “Make Inclusive Data the Norm” program during a meeting held alongside the 57th United Nations Statistical Commission in New York City, where governments and development organizations reviewed progress made under the first phase of the project.
The initiative, coordinated by the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data with support from APC Colombia, aims to improve the collection and use of inclusive data in national development planning, particularly for vulnerable groups often excluded from official statistics.
According to Dr.Iddrisu , Ghana’s work in the first phase focused heavily on improving data collection and analysis related to Female Genital Mutilation, a key target under the Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which seeks to eliminate harmful practices against women and girls. He said the country strengthened the use of citizen-generated data through mobile technology and worked with civil society groups and community leaders to improve data quality and expand coverage in affected communities.
The approach has helped authorities design more targeted interventions for vulnerable girls and communities where the practice remains prevalent, he said. Under Phase Two of the program, Ghana plans to deepen the integration of inclusive data into national statistical systems and expand its use across government ministries for policy planning.
The next stage will also focus on strengthening collaboration between official institutions, community groups and civil society organizations to ensure development data better reflects the experiences of marginalized populations. “Inclusive data must go beyond a project and become the foundation of how national data systems operate,” Dr. Iddrisu said.
The second phase of the initiative will broaden cooperation among participating countries, building on lessons shared between Ghana, Colombia and Kenya during the first phase. Two additional countries, Nigeria and Senegal, are joining the program as part of efforts to expand the network of governments adopting inclusive data practices.
Dr.Iddrisu said Ghana plans to showcase its progress during the upcoming Data Festival scheduled to take place in Kenya in June, where participating countries will share lessons on how improved data systems can support development policies.
The initiative reflects a growing global push to strengthen statistical capacity in developing economies as governments seek more accurate and inclusive data to guide social policy and track progress on the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda.
