Accra, June 28, GNA – Lack of accurate and timely statistical information has been identified as one of the reasons for failed and inefficient development plans in developing countries, Information and National Orientation Minister, Mr. Kwamina Bartels, said on Thursday. He noted that considering that information was regarded as an economic resource, one could not allow the trend of information vacuum to continue.
Speaking at the launch of Ghanainfo web in Accra, he said there was the need for effective collaboration and coordination of resources even with regard to information collection, package and dissemination. It was on the theme: “Tracking Ghana’s Progress; The Facts you Decide”.
Ghanainfo web is an initiative tool aimed at promoting the culture of making available, on a timely basis, up-to-date policy, relevant and quality statistics and indicators for use at all stages of the planning and development processes.
Mr. Bartels said the quality of information available to all stakeholders depended largely on the cooperation of the citizenry, enterprises and other respondents in providing appropriate and reliable data needed for planning, implementation and monitoring programmes and projects in the application of robust statistical methodology and standards.
He explained that essential trust of the public in statistical information depended to a large extent on respect for the fundamental values and principles of good governance, which is the basis for any society that seeks to understand itself and respect the right of its members.
The Minister noted that Ghana’s data from the micro and macro level had not been harmonized and harnessed making data not readily accessible.
He acknowledged that the country needed relevant data from its mandated data producing institutions and all sectors of the economy. “My one expectation is that the data base would constantly be updated and enhanced,” he said.
Dr. Grace Bediako, Government Statistician, said it was the hope of her outfit to extend data access to all corners of the country by working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Ghanainfo, she said, had been a collaborative effort and joint initiative of the National Development Commission and Ghana Statistical Service to evolve a culture of planning and decision making based on statistical evidence and quantitative and qualitative policy-relevant indicators.
The initiative, she said, was to relate policy issues to relevant statistics that could be used to monitor and evaluate progress in those specific policy areas. 28 June 07
Source: GhanaWeb
