AN ASSESSMENT OF GHANA STATISTICAL SERVICE INSTITUTIONAL REFORM PROGRAMME: ROLE OF THE MULTI DONOR TRUST FUND

Abstract

The Ghana Statistics Development Plan was launched in November, 2008 to undertake a reform programme within the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in order to make it more efficient and effective in managing and coordinating the National Statistical System. As a result, a Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) Grant Agreement was implemented from March 2011 to June 2013 as part of the reform programme. The present study was undertaken to assess the Ghana Statistical Service Institutional Reform Programme. A non-probability sampling technique of purposive was used in the study. A total of 138 participants out of the 153 sample drawn from the various directorates of the GSS Head Office took part in the study. Quantitative data type were mainly used for the study. The results show that majority of staff have background in statistics to perform their duties to enable GSS meet its mandate. A significant proportion of the respondents both statisticians and non-statisticians attended training programmes which did not solve any problem on the job directly. However, majority of the respondents were able to use skills acquired during training to the job. Technological innovations during the reform programme enhanced the operations of the GSS. The 2010 Population and Housing Census National and Regional Analytical Reports were published in a relatively short period of time due to adequate financial support and regular cash flow under the MDTF. The Statistical Service Act, 1985 has weaknesses and for that matter needs to be modified or repealed. However, the Statistics Bill, 2012 could not be passed by the end of the MDTF Project or even within the Sixth Parliament period. The GSS Reform Programme was adequately communicated to staff and was successfully implemented. To maximize the benefits of training programmes for staff of the GSS, the Human Resource Directorate of the Service has to develop a training plan based on the training needs of staff to ensure that training programmes are designed to solve problems on the job. The GSS should intensify its efforts by engaging key stakeholders for the necessary support to ensure the passage of the Statistics Bill.