The Ghana Statistical Service has officially launched its first online database system known as StatsBank. The GSS StatsBank is an online data repository enabling users to tap into disaggregated data from censuses and surveys. It currently has over 350 million statistics, including indicators from the 2021 Population and Housing Census and a comprehensive set of macro-economic indicators.
Speaking at the launch, Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, highlighted some benefits the nation could receive from the online platform. According to him, the initiative, which he describes as a “New Wave of Change” will be able to integrate multiple data sources; include census data, as well as geographic and health survey data, to help policy makers solve complex societal problems.
Given the complex problems that we have now, we say on authority at GSS that, no single data source can help us solve the problems that we face in the country. It is now compelling for all of us to think about how we can build datasets together to help solve the complex challenges that we have. It is for this reason that we set up the StatsBank. He stated.
Prof Anim also announced three other programs that are being developed alongside the StatsBank, to make data User- Centered than Producer Centered. These include the Digital Census Atlas, Rasterized Data and Microdata Access.
Furthermore, he advanced a solemn plea to the Vice Chancellor of the University, to provide the GSS access to the school’s data to compliment already collected data and facilitate research.
We’d be happy if the University could share with us their Microdata Dissemination Policy, to enable the University to supply us with the necessary data which would help us compliment what we have and where possible validate what we’re doing”. He added.
Vice Chancellor for the University, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, who chaired the occasion, agreed to the request from the Government Statistician, establishing her readiness to contribute to this resolve. This she believes falls in line with her goals which centers on training of students to be critical thinkers, technologically advanced, humane, culturally sensitive, and are ready to provide leadership for country and continent.
Story By: Adwubi Wiafe Akenteng
