Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu has been officially sworn-in as Ghana’s new Government Statistician by President John Dramani Mahama in a solemn ceremony held at the Jubilee House in Accra.
The occasion marked a pivotal moment in Ghana’s quest to embed credible data in national governance.
“This is a call to lead the charge in placing data and evidence at the heart of governance and national transformation”
President John Dramani Mahama
The event brought together several key ministers of state, including Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for the Interior, Minister for Defence, Minister for Communications, Minister for Health, and Minister for Justice.
Their presence signaled the significance the Mahama administration places on data-led governance as a tool for sustainable national development.
In his address, President Mahama underscored the critical role the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) plays in national transformation and charged Dr. Iddrisu to bring innovation, transparency, and rigor to the statistical arm of government.
According to the President, the era of speculative policy must give way to evidence-based decision-making driven by timely and accurate data.
Dr. Iddrisu, in his response, pledged to treat the role as more than a ceremonial duty. He described it as a moral and professional obligation to reposition the GSS as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic and social architecture.
He elaborated on his broader vision to transform the Ghana Statistical Service into a modern, agile, and highly credible institution. His strategy will rely heavily on advanced technology, institutional reform, and closer collaboration with ministries and international partners.
“In a rapidly changing world where information drives prosperity, the role of the Ghana Statistical Service has never been more crucial than now”
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician
Rebasing and Expansion
One of the first technical initiatives Dr. Iddrisu announced was the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This, he explained, would lead to improved accuracy in tracking inflation and offer deeper insights into living costs, particularly by extending CPI coverage to the district level.
“We must ensure our inflation data reflects the true realities of Ghanaians everywhere – urban and rural alike”
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician
He also committed to producing separate rural-urban inflation data and announced that Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would henceforth be rebased every five years instead of the traditional ten-year interval. This move, he said, would ensure that macroeconomic planning remains closely aligned with current economic dynamics.
Another significant development announced was the production of regional GDP data to support decentralisation and enable policymakers at the subnational level to make more informed decisions.
In addition to GDP and CPI enhancements, Dr. Iddrisu indicated his readiness to introduce Monthly Indicators of Economic Growth (MIEG).
These new metrics are intended to complement existing tools such as the Bank of Ghana’s Composite Index of Economic Activities (CIEA), thereby providing a more comprehensive picture of the country’s economic trajectory.
Labour Market Statistics
A major area of focus for the incoming Government Statistician is employment statistics. Dr. Iddrisu outlined plans to regularise the publication of quarterly employment and unemployment data.
This, he explained, would offer a clear and consistent window into labour market trends, government job creation efforts, and youth unemployment levels.
“With the enduring support of the President, the Honourable Finance Minister, our development partners, and the good people of Ghana, I am committed to working with the exceptional team at GSS to position our Service as a world-class institution and a trusted pillar in Ghana’s development journey”
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician
Dr. Iddrisu’s appointment signals a renewed drive by the Mahama administration to make data a central pillar of governance. As a seasoned economist with deep experience in macroeconomic management and public policy, his leadership is expected to usher in a new era of accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public administration.
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