Bawumia Does Not Understand Statistical Figures - Ghana Statistical Service

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has reacted to the �State of the Economy� lecture given by the running mate of the New Patriotic Party Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia which questioned the inflation figures produced by the Statistical Service. The Statistical Service is the mandated state institution set up to promote the effective use of the nation�s statistics, stimulate research activities in all fields of statistics to advise the government on all matters relating to statistics. According to them, although they appreciate the fact that Dr. Bawumia used figures in his delivery during his �State of the Nation� lecture, his appreciation and understanding of the figures are in doubt. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, acting Government Statistician, Dr. Philomena Nyarko, indicated that �the Ghana Statistical Service appreciates the use of official statistics particularly figures on GDP growth, Income per capital, Inflation rate and poverty indices during the lecture. �Indeed, we very much encourage the use of statistics for informed decision making and the general enlightenment of the citizenry. However, our concern bothers mainly on the interpretation of some indicators produced by the Ghana Statistical Service." She added: �While Dr. Bawumia admits that single digit inflation is not a new phenomenon, he cast doubts on the current level of inflation in Ghana. "As we have repeatedly indicated, the same principles and procedures that have been used by the Ghana Statistical Service to compute inflation rate in the past continues to be used now. The GSS has always subscribed to internationally acceptable principles and ethics in the production of quality statistics.�