Vice President of Ghana, H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has underscored the critical role of data in shaping governance, development, and global cooperation, urging governments to embed evidence into policymaking to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the Pre-Global Data Festival High-Level Meeting in Accra on Tuesday, the Vice President welcomed delegates from Kenya, Colombia, the United Nations, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector. She emphasised Ghana’s commitment to a data-driven and evidence-informed governance model, describing it as central to building “the Ghana we want.”

On the economic front, she highlighted Ghana’s recent progress, citing GDP growth of 5.3% in the first quarter of 2025 and a drop in inflation to 12.1% in July, which she said reflects resilience and fiscal discipline.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also outlined key initiatives powered by data, including the One Million Coders Initiative, which equips young people with digital skills; the establishment of GoldBod, a new regulatory agency for gold trading; and the use of satellite monitoring for land and coastal management. She stressed that these reforms are aimed at positioning Ghana as a contributor, rather than just a consumer, in the global technology and resource space.

She further praised the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) for its adaptability, from designing rapid surveys during the pandemic to forging partnerships that strengthen Ghana’s data ecosystem.

Highlighting Ghana’s collaboration with Kenya and Colombia through the “Make Inclusive Data the Norm” project, the Vice President said such partnerships demonstrate how the Global South can develop solutions that reflect local realities while strengthening citizen participation in data governance.

“Time is running out on the targets we set for the SDGs,” she cautioned.

“But our innovation, unity, and commitment can push us forward. We must arrive at a destination where data is not just about us, but generated by our people, governed by us, and used in our service.”

Ghana will co-host the 2026 Global Data Festival in Nairobi, where, according to the Vice President, the country will showcase innovations ranging from tax data modernisation and mobile data applications to machine learning for agriculture, climate resilience, and health solutions.

She concluded by calling for stronger investment in institutional data proficiency and for governments to elevate youth voices in shaping inclusive, data-driven futures