Stakeholders at Africa Business Conversation Urge GSS to Offer Sector-Specific Data

Introduction

The intersection of data and decision-making has become a critical theme in Ghana’s evolving business landscape. At a recent Africa Business Conversation forum organized by AB and David, stakeholders from diverse sectors—including academia, industry leaders, and policymakers—emphasized the urgent need for the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to prioritize sector-specific data. This event, held under the theme “Business in Ghana, is it a Game of Numbers?”, highlighted the gap between macroeconomic statistics and actionable, industry-tailored insights.

As businesses face increasing complexity, the demand for granular, sector-specific data has never been higher. The GSS, tasked with providing the nation’s economic pulse, is now under pressure to align its outputs with the needs of Ghanaian enterprises. This article delves into the stakeholders’ perspectives, the challenges identified, and the potential impact of the GSS’s upcoming reforms.

Analysis

The Role of Sector-Specific Data in Business Strategy

Sector-specific data refers to statistical information tailored to particular industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, or technology. Unlike broad national statistics, this type of data enables businesses to make informed decisions by addressing unique challenges and opportunities within their sectors. For example, a tech startup might require data on digital infrastructure trends, while an agro-processing company would benefit from insights into crop yields or supply chain logistics.

During the Africa Business Conversation, participants underscored that standardized national data often fails to reflect sectoral nuances. Tsonam Apkeloo, President of the Association of Ghana Industries, noted, “We have been collaborating with the GSS, but we need more sector-specific metrics to drive innovation and competitiveness.” This highlights the mismatch between general economic reports and the granular insights required for business agility.

Stakeholder Collaboration with the GSS

The GSS has acknowledged its role in bridging this gap. Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician, announced plans to release regional and district economic figures by 2026 following a GDP rebasing exercise. Rebasing—a process that updates base years in economic data to reflect current market dynamics—promises to enhance the relevance of statistics. However, stakeholders caution that this initiative must be complemented by sectoral breakdowns to truly serve business needs.

David Ofosu-Dorte, moderator and Senior Partner at AB and David, urged firms to leverage existing GSS data: “We ought to give credit to the GSS; their publications offer valuable insights.” Yet, the consensus is clear: existing datasets, while foundational, lack the specificity demanded by modern enterprises.

Summary

The Africa Business Conversation forum underscored the critical need for the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to expand its outputs to include sector-specific data. While the GSS is set to release regional economic figures post-2026 GDP rebasing, stakeholders argue that businesses require deeper, industry-tailored analytics to thrive in a competitive market. Key challenges include data accessibility, academic-industry alignment, and the integration of digital tools. This article explores how addressing these gaps could reshape Ghana’s economic planning and business ecosystem.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Businesses: Leveraging Available Data

While awaiting sector-specific datasets, businesses can adopt proactive measures:

1. Engage directly with the GSS: Participate in consultations or partnerships to shape data collection priorities.
2. Invest in digital analytics: Use tools like AI-driven analytics platforms to extract deeper insights from existing datasets.
3. Collaborate with academia: Partner with institutions to develop sector-specific research studies.

For Academia and Policymakers

Stakeholders urged schools and policymakers to:

• Update curricula: Integrate real-world economic data into business programs.
• Foster public-private partnerships: Create internships or mentorship programs linking students with GSS data experts.
• Prioritize open-data initiatives: Advocate for freely accessible sector-specific datasets to democratize information access.

Points of Caution

While optimism surrounds the GSS’s forthcoming reforms, stakeholders cautioned against potential pitfalls:

• Data reliability: Rebasing exercises risk introducing errors if not rigorously validated. Independent audits are recommended.
• Bias in prioritization: Sector-specific data collection must avoid overemphasizing politically or economically dominant industries.
• Infrastructure limitations: Rural businesses may lack the digital infrastructure to utilize advanced analytics, exacerbating urban-rural divides.

Comparison

Current Data Practices vs. Sector-Specific Needs

The GSS’s traditional focus on broad economic aggregates contrasts sharply with global trends in microeconomic data analysis. Countries like South Korea and Singapore have long used sector-specific metrics to guide policy and business innovation. Ghana’s upcoming GDP rebasing aligns with international standards but must go further by segmenting data by industry, geography, and economic activity.

Lessons from Regional Peers

Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, for instance, publishes sectoral breakdowns for agriculture and manufacturing, informing targeted interventions. Similarly, Ghana’s GSS could replicate this model to address regional disparities and sectoral imbalances.

Legal Implications

While not a central theme of the discussion, stakeholders noted that data sovereignty laws could influence how sector-specific information is shared. For example, laws governing data ownership and cross-border data flows might impact the GSS’s ability to partner with private firms. Legal experts advised that Ghana must establish clear frameworks to ensure businesses can access and use statistical data without infringing on intellectual property rights.

Conclusion

The Africa Business Conversation forum served as a clarion call for Ghana to modernize its statistician capabilities. The push for sector-specific data reflects a broader demand for evidence-based policymaking and competitive business strategies. While the GSS’s rebasing efforts are a positive step, sustained collaboration between government, academia, and industry is crucial. By prioritizing granular, accessible data, Ghana can unlock its full economic potential and foster inclusive growth.

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