Deliver truthful data, no matter how uncomfortable - Mahama tells new Gov't Statistician

President John Mahama has welcomed Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu as the new Government Statistician. He assured him of full independence in his duties. There will be no political interference in national data production.

During the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama stressed the importance of credible and timely data. He urged Dr. Iddrisu to provide real-time statistics, even if they are uncomfortable for the government. This data will support academia, the private sector, and investors.

Mahama stated that leadership changes affirm a commitment to evidence-based governance. He emphasized that sound decisions must rely on accurate data and facts. The Office of the Government Statistician is vital for national interests.

He described the Ghana Statistical Service as a key partner in development planning and economic management. Decisions on poverty alleviation and youth unemployment depend on reliable data.

Appointing a new statistician is not just routine; it strengthens data governance foundations. It also improves public sector performance and ensures access to credible information for all stakeholders.

President Mahama expressed confidence in Dr. Iddrisu's experience and integrity. He highlighted that this background is crucial for addressing emerging national data priorities.

In today's data-driven world, Ghana must excel in collecting reliable statistics. The Ghana Statistical Service should lead efforts to track inflation, GDP, climate impact, and prepare for population censuses.

Mahama reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting statistical services' independence. Citizens must trust that published numbers are objective and free from political influence.

Investors need assurance that Ghana's macroeconomic data is credible. Development partners require measurable results frameworks to ensure accountability.

He encouraged Dr. Iddrisu to lead with courage and impartiality while collaborating with various stakeholders. Timely disaggregated data is essential across sectors like health, education, agriculture, and urban planning.

The government is investing in digital transformation to enhance data infrastructure. The Ghana Statistical Service will play a central role in this initiative.

Mahama expressed excitement about how the service will support key programs like economic policy initiatives and education reforms. These programs require detailed real-time data to reach vulnerable populations effectively.

He concluded by urging Dr. Iddrisu to be bold, innovative, and professional in his role. Leading requires moral courage and a commitment to public service.

Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu thanked President Mahama for his trust during his acceptance speech as Government Statistician. He pledged to produce regular employment figures from government programs and disaggregate GDP by region.

Iddrisu emphasized placing evidence at the heart of governance amid rapid global changes affecting prosperity through accurate statistics.

He outlined his vision for a modernized statistical service aligned with national objectives while ensuring timely delivery of official statistics for informed decision-making.

Iddrisu plans innovations such as rebasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) every three years instead of seven years for better inflation tracking at district levels.

He aims to produce regional GDP data for examining local economic activities effectively—this would be a first in Ghana's history.

Regular quarterly employment reports will also be established under his leadership to monitor job creation from government initiatives closely.

With support from leaders like President Mahama, he aims to position the Ghana Statistical Service as an exemplary institution within Africa’s development landscape.

Iddrisu called upon collaboration among key institutions like the Bank of Ghana and civil society organizations to achieve these goals together.

His vision includes building a data-driven Ghana where evidence-based policies empower communities effectively.

Dr. Iddrisu concluded by expressing gratitude towards everyone involved in this mission: "Long live Ghana."