Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim
The Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Anim, has called for a strong National Statistical System that is independent of the government.
Speaking at the launch of Amaris Statistical and Research Institute (AmariStat) in Accra, Prof. Samuel Kobina Anim said, “We need to get to a point where we define our independence based on our authority of the National Statistical System where the government statistical services as we have in the UK can boldly say that if you misuse statistics, we will put it in the right order.”
“But if your board is made up of government employees, and the government statistician is scared of political issues then we’ll be careful in our dispensation”, he asserted.
Dr. Oliver Chinganya, Chief Statistician of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), asked statisticians serving in various countries to continue providing excellent work for policymakers while also identifying “trusted partners” with whom they could collaborate.
He described the establishment of AmariStat as “a significant journey” towards enhancing the quality and reliability of statistical systems.
He called for additional support for statisticians, citing a shortage of skilled staff, a low appreciation for the significance of statistics, poor data quality, and insufficient ICT infrastructure as factors affecting statistical programme execution.
Dr. Chinganya also called for investment in education and continuous professional development to help build a skilled workforce for statistical services.
He believed that the Institute would act as “a beacon of excellence in statistics and economic research and empower a new generation of statisticians, economists, and researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute effectively to national and regional development”.
Dr. Chinganya urged AmariStat to engage with academic and research organizations, to use modern data collection and analytic technology, to retain talent, and to advocate for policies that “prioritise statistical capacity building”.
Dr. Emmanuel Fiadzo, Chief Executive of the Institute of Statistics and Economic Research, stated that the institution would live up to its mission and partner with relevant organisations to achieve its mandate.