The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has formalised collaboration with 25 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) aimed at strengthening the country’s national data systems and improving evidence-based governance.

Per the terms of a memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed with the MDAs, the partnership will focus on strengthening administrative data systems, improving data sharing across institutions, promoting adherence to national statistical standards, and enhancing the capacity of MDAs to produce and use quality data for planning, monitoring and evaluation.

The MoU was signed with key public institutions including: the Office of the President (Jubilee House); Ministry of the Interior; Ministry of Communications; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industries and Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Also, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, alongside several, Departments and Agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Health Service, Environmental Protection Authority, National Communications Authority and the National Information Technology Agency, among others.

Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician, described the MoUs as a pivotal step toward transforming Ghana’s administrative data into a strategic development resource.

He explained that the agreements provide a clear framework for MDAs to collaborate with the Ghana Statistical Service, ensuring that data generated across government is quality-assured, harmonised, and responsibly shared.

“By working together, these institutions can transform fragmented datasets into a powerful national asset for development,” he said, noting that the initiative moves the country from fragmented data systems to connected, interoperable platforms that actively inform policymaking.

“When data is timely, harmonised, and credible, policies become smarter, public resources are used more efficiently, and accountability is strengthened,” Dr Iddrisu said.

The Government Statistician also highlighted that the MoUs are complemented by three critical national frameworks: the Data Quality Assurance Framework, the Code of Ethics and Practice for the National Statistical System, and the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS III).

Together, these instruments are designed to improve the reliability, timeliness and accessibility of official statistics, strengthen governance and enhance service delivery across the public sector.

Dr Iddrisu emphasised that while signing the MoUs marks an important milestone, sustained collaboration, adherence to standards and evidence-driven decision-making across institutions will be crucial for achieving meaningful development outcomes.

Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah reiterated the importance of coordinated data systems in enhancing governance and development outcomes, saying the collaboration represents an important step toward building a more coordinated, transparent and data-driven public sector.

The Head of Civil Service, Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, added that strong data systems are essential for public service delivery and effective policy implementation.

“Planning, monitoring and evaluating the impact of government programmes requires reliable information. This initiative ensures that institutions are guided by credible, well-managed data,” he said.

Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem and the UN Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, commended the initiative for promoting inter-institutional collaboration and the use of data to guide policy.Finance news alerts

The MoUs designate focal persons, establish technical standards and introduce review mechanisms to ensure that administrative data is properly recorded, managed, and shared responsibly. Implementation will begin immediately, with the Ghana Statistical Service working closely with partner institutions to operationalise the agreements.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the National Statistical System, enhance the quality of administrative datasets and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government decision-making.