Ghana Showcases Leadership in Data Innovation and South-South Collaboration
Ghana has reaffirmed its leadership role in using data to shape governance and development, hosting a high-level meeting in Accra ahead of the 2026 Global Data Festival in Kenya.
The Pre-Global Data Festival Ghana High-Level Meeting, convened by the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and hosted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), brought together Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, international partners, civil society, academia, and private sector representatives.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang underscored the centrality of data to Ghana’s development vision. “The government of Ghana believes that policy must be informed by facts, shaped by reality, and designed for inclusive impact to achieve the Ghana we want. That is why we have anchored governance in a data-driven and evidence-informed approach,” she said.
She highlighted the adaptability of the Ghana Statistical Service, pointing to its rapid pandemic surveys and long-term partnerships as proof of the government’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrissu, emphasized Ghana’s contribution to advancing data transformation across the public sector. “Ghana has long been a leading voice in data transformation, combining national leadership with active global engagement. The Ghana Statistical Service has worked to institutionalize data stewardship across government, making data not the business of one office but a shared responsibility across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he noted.
The meeting featured two panel discussions. The first explored how to strengthen national data leadership through better coordination, sustainable financing, and institutional reforms. The second examined inclusive data systems and how South-South partnerships can expand digital rights, equitable collaborations, and citizen engagement.
By reinforcing Ghana’s leadership in data-driven governance and preparing the ground for inter-regional partnerships, the meeting set the tone for next year’s Global Data Festival in Kenya.
