Tamale: The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has prioritized staff capacity development, welfare, and people management to enhance the production of credible data for national development, as stated by Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Iddrisu announced that the GSS has secured financial clearance to recruit additional staff, aiming to bolster its operations. Efforts are underway to address staff migration issues and improve working conditions. This announcement was made during his engagement with journalists in Tamale, part of his tour of GSS offices in the northern regions of Ghana to understand their operations, challenges, and opportunities better.
During his visit to the GSS offices in the Northern, Savannah, and Upper East Regions, Dr. Iddrisu emphasized that producing credible data is a major priority for the GSS. Research conducted by the Service indicates stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and reliability of its data. Consequently, the GSS is investing in staff development to ensure personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
A code of conduct has been instituted to guide staff, ensuring the highest professional standards in the production and analysis of statistics. The GSS is also working to simplify statistical data, making it accessible and understandable to the public. This includes the introduction of short explanatory videos accompanying data releases to help the public comprehend and use the information appropriately.
Dr. Iddrisu emphasized the importance of professional judgment and established statistical standards in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cautioning against excessive reliance on technology in data analysis. He reiterated that while AI can support statistical work, it should not replace the professional judgment required in analyzing and interpreting data.
Reflecting on his regional tour, Dr. Iddrisu noted its success in providing management with firsthand information about the challenges facing the offices and opportunities for operational improvements. 'We shared with them our efforts to prioritize them, and for them to do more to help the country,' he stated.