Ghana Calls for Stronger South–South Collaboration to Harness Data for Inclusive Development

 

Ghana’s Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, has called for stronger South–South cooperation to harness the full potential of data in shaping inclusive and resilient societies. Speaking at the Pre-Global Data Festival High-Level Meeting in Accra, Dr. Iddrisu stressed that Africa, Latin America, and Asia must work together to transform how data drives development.

“Ghana is not working alone. South–South collaboration is at the heart of our vision,” he said. “Our efforts have already inspired reforms in countries like Sierra Leone, Togo, and Botswana. Together with global partners, we are proving that cooperation across regions is not just possible, it is powerful.”

Dr. Iddrisu stressed that this gathering, ahead of the 2026 Global Data Festival in Nairobi, was more than a dialogue. It was, he noted, “a platform to showcase innovations, forge new partnerships, and ensure that Africa’s data stories take their rightful place on the global stage.”

He urged governments to act decisively to prevent data from remaining underused, pointing out that when properly harnessed, data becomes the backbone of effective policy, accountability, and citizen engagement.

“The question before us is simple: will we allow data to remain underused, or will we harness it fully to build societies that are more inclusive, more resilient, and more just? The answer must be action,” he said.

The Government Statistician outlined three immediate steps for governments and stakeholders:

• Investing in strong data systems to ensure reliability and accessibility.

• Collaborating across borders to tackle shared challenges such as inequality and climate change.

• Making data a true public good that benefits all citizens, not just policymakers and academics.

For ordinary Ghanaians, the message holds a clear implication: data is not just about numbers in offices but about shaping the very policies that affect daily life—from healthcare delivery and job creation to disaster response and education access.

As Ghana positions itself as a leader in data innovation, Dr. Iddrisu reminded participants that action, not intention, will determine whether data becomes a real tool for transformation.

The high-level meeting, hosted at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, set the stage for Africa’s voice to be amplified at the 2026 Global Data Festival in Nairobi.