Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu’s appointment as Acting Government Statistician marks a significant step in Ghana’s pursuit of robust, data-driven decision-making for national development. His extensive experience in economic analysis, forecasting, and policy coordination, honed over decades of public service, positions him ideally to lead the Ghana Statistical Service. Currently heading the Economic Strategy and Research Division at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Iddrisu has played a pivotal role in shaping national economic policy, including contributing to the Ghana Macroeconomic Outlook Report and the formulation of annual budgets. This deep understanding of the Ghanaian economy and its intricacies will be invaluable in ensuring the accuracy and relevance of national statistics. The presidency’s confidence in his ability to bring integrity, innovation, and technical expertise to the role underscores the significance of this appointment in bolstering Ghana’s statistical infrastructure.
Dr. Iddrisu’s career trajectory reveals a consistent commitment to public service and a progressive accumulation of responsibilities within the Ministry of Finance. His previous roles as Director of the Economic Research and Forecasting Division and Acting Director of the Real Sector Division provided him with hands-on experience in managing complex economic data and analyses. These positions afforded him the opportunity to develop a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating reliable statistical information. Furthermore, his contributions to numerous high-level inter-ministerial committees, public councils, and national policy boards demonstrate his ability to collaborate effectively across government agencies and contribute to strategic decision-making processes. This breadth of experience within the public sector makes him well-suited to navigate the complexities of leading a national statistical agency and ensuring its alignment with national development priorities.
Beyond his governmental experience, Dr. Iddrisu’s academic pursuits and international consultancy work further enhance his qualifications for the role. His doctoral degree in International Development Studies from the prestigious National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, coupled with advanced degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Ghana, provides a strong theoretical foundation for his practical experience. This academic grounding equips him with the analytical rigor and critical thinking skills essential for interpreting complex economic data and formulating evidence-based policy recommendations. Moreover, his consultancy work with international organizations like Oxfam GB and the World Bank has exposed him to best practices in statistical methodology and data management, further enriching his understanding of the global statistical landscape.
Dr. Iddrisu’s part-time lectureship at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, highlights his commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity building within Ghana. By sharing his expertise with future generations of economists and statisticians, he contributes to the development of a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the country’s economic growth and development. This dedication to education underscores his understanding of the long-term importance of investing in human capital and strengthening the capacity of local institutions. The combination of his academic, governmental, and international experience creates a comprehensive skillset that positions him well to lead the Ghana Statistical Service into a new era of data-driven decision-making.
The appointment of Dr. Iddrisu as Acting Government Statistician is a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening its statistical capacity. Reliable and timely statistics are crucial for evidence-based policy formulation, effective program monitoring and evaluation, and informed public discourse. By placing a seasoned economist and experienced public servant at the helm of the Ghana Statistical Service, the government is signaling its intention to prioritize data quality and accessibility. This focus on data-driven governance is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring that policies are grounded in empirical evidence rather than conjecture.
Pending formal consultations with the Council of State, Dr. Iddrisu’s appointment as Acting Government Statistician represents a strategic move to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of Ghana’s statistical system. His diverse experience, academic credentials, and commitment to public service make him a strong candidate to lead the Ghana Statistical Service in its mission to provide accurate, timely, and relevant data for national development planning. This appointment signifies a positive step towards strengthening the country’s statistical infrastructure and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making across all sectors. The anticipation surrounding the Council of State’s final confirmation reflects the importance of this role in shaping Ghana’s future.
