Report on statistical activities : Ghana

Abstract

Statistics is necessary for social and economic development which, ultimately, is expected to meet human needs. Building a sustainable national statistical system is therefore indispensable for a meaningful and successful national development effort. The need to strengthen national statistical systems was recognized and highlighted by the 16th Meeting of African Ministers responsible for Economic Planning and Development, when it adopted the Addis Ababa Plan of Action for Statistical Development in Africa in the 1990s. Since then the international community and development partners have come to accept that any improvement of the statistical system constitutes an integral part of economic and social development. Building an independent statistical capacity makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of development programmes and therefore enables society to exercise control over what government does, thereby enhancing the democratic process. It is in the context of this that governments and the international community ought to join hands to strengthen and sustain national statistical systems. Indeed, it is empty rhetoric to talk about ownership, taking control or putting countries in the driving seat, without strengthening the absorptive capacity of the national statistical system to satisfy the demand for data needed to influence policy.