The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has appealed for the establishment of a dedicated electronic portal to provide public access to national statistical data in machine-readable formats to strengthen economic research, policymaking and investment decisions.
He pointed out that making underlying data more accessible would allow researchers, policymakers, academics and businesses to apply artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and other advanced analytical tools to identify trends and relationships that may not be immediately apparent in published reports.
He made the appeal on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the launch of the maiden edition of Ghana in Numbers 2025 at Alisa Hotel in Accra.
He commended the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) for the initiative, describing the publication as an important national resource that brings together authoritative information on Ghana’s socio-economic conditions to support evidence-based decision-making.
According to him, reliable and timely statistics remain essential to effective monetary policy, financial-sector regulation and economic management.
As an inflation-targeting central bank, he explained, the Bank of Ghana relies on accurate data to assess inflation trends and the relationship between prices, exchange rates, economic activity, credit conditions and external developments.
He observed that the inclusion of a dedicated monetary and financial-sector section in the publication, drawing substantially on official data from the central bank, would provide a clearer picture of Ghana’s economic and financial environment.
Dr Asiama further stressed that quality statistics promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in institutions while helping businesses and investors assess economic conditions and make informed decisions.
The Governor disclosed that the Bank of Ghana was strengthening its institutional capacity in data analytics and emerging technologies through the establishment of a Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Department.
He said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to improve data governance, expand analytical capabilities and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies in policy analysis and institutional decision-making.
He also hinted that the central bank was developing a directive to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector, as part of efforts to encourage innovation while addressing emerging risks.
Dr Asiama said technological advances offered opportunities to improve economic forecasts, identify patterns and strengthen the assessment of financial and economic risks.
Touching on macroeconomic developments, the Governor said recent policy and reform efforts had contributed to improvements in inflation, exchange-rate stability, banking-sector resilience and credit conditions.
He reported that inflation had remained in single digits for 13 consecutive months, while the exchange rate had been relatively stable despite external headwinds.
According to him, the average lending rate declined from 30.25 per cent in December 2024 to 15.78 per cent in September 2026, while growth in real private-sector credit increased from 0.20 per cent to 26.42 per cent over the same period.
He added that the Bank was pursuing initiatives to improve financial inclusion, particularly for young people, women, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and underserved communities.
The Governor congratulated the Ghana Statistical Service, its Governing Board, Management and contributing institutions for producing the maiden edition of the publication.
He urged stakeholders to use “Ghana in Numbers 2025” as a resource for evaluating national progress, strengthening transparency and making evidence-based decisions.
“Let us see Ghana in Numbers not merely as a statistical publication, but as a national resource for understanding our circumstances, evaluating our progress and making better decisions about our collective future,” he said.
By Benjamin Aidoo
