UNITED NATIONS REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON DATA DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION

1. TOPIC: Promoting Effective Dissemination of Data – Ghana’s experience UNITED NATIONS REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON DATA DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION VENUE: Amman, Jordan DATE: 9th September, 2013 Presenter: GODWIN ODEI GYEBI Statistical Service, Ghana

2. Introduction • The recent trend in development of data and dissemination and communication is an integral component of effective and efficient planning and management. • In as much as data is important for planning, it is also a crucial element for monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs. • Data – being census, survey and administrative data is not complete until it is made available to potential users in a form that is suitable to their demands. Statistical Service, Ghana

3. Dissemination in the past • In the past, dissemination of data is mainly done through the printing (hard copies) of reports. • The reports are distributed to only a few institutions and individuals. • Such reports are mainly kept in our offices, libraries and home. Statistical Service, Ghana

4. Dissemination in the past • produced as tables in unpublished form for limited distribution • stored in a database and supplied upon request • dissemination seminars and workshops at the national, regional levels, etc. Statistical Service, Ghana

5. Dissemination in the past • The purpose of the dissemination workshops is to provide data (censuses, surveys, administrative) to planners, administrators and researchers. • Such direct interactions between the producers of data (census and surveys) and its users would enable the latter to understand the impact of data • For broader consultation with stakeholders on the use of the data. Statistical Service, Ghana

6. The need for a shift • The fast-growing uses of computer and its networking call for wider and deeper electronic dissemination of products with user-friendly interface, efficient retrieval and manipulation functionality. • The need to change from paper work to electronic form of dissemination – which should be able to get to wider users within a very short time. • The change should be more visual, more personal, more social Statistical Service, Ghana

7. Current dissemination - Electronic • Collect structured time series data on all variables and indicators and store at the respective data silos: • IMIS – Integrated Management Information System • GhanaInfo • CountryStat • National Data Archives • CensusInfo • Metadata Handbook on National Development Indicators • Handbook on statistical compendium Statistical Service, Ghana

8. GhanaInfo • GhanaInfo is the national adaptation of Dev Info software, a global initiative funded by the United Nations. • It is Ghana’s Socio-Economic and demographic Indicator Database. • It is a user-friendly computer program for storage, retrieval, comparison and dissemination of a wide range of indicators from different sources - national surveys, censuses and administrative systems. • GhanaInfo also allows the user to retrieve and compare indicator data values across multiple time periods, geographic levels, and other sub-group dis-aggregations. Data presentation is possible with tables, graphs and maps. Statistical Service, Ghana

9. REDATAM Software • Population databases are highly recommended as they greatly expand the usability and enhance the dissemination of census data. • Databases on micro-data (individual records) permit retrieval of data at any level of detail. • They are ideal tools to produce small-area statistics. • This package enables data users to easily derive information from the database, including new variables, tabulations and other outputs. Statistical Service, Ghana

10. Making Census Dataset available to users at the Local Government Level • Training District Planning Officers in the use of REDATAM to generate tables and indicators • Assist district officers to produce their own census analytical reports • Disseminate the District Census Analytical reports Statistical Service, Ghana

11. Current Implementing Strategy and Future Plans for Information Communication • The GSS has set up a Resource Data Centre (RDC) which became operational in the second half of the year. • The RDC is expected to manage all the statistics and indicators produced and databases within the Service. • The RDC has three main units: Statistical Production Unit, Data Warehouse Unit and Data Service Units. Statistical Service, Ghana

12. Establishment of a Resource and Data Centre • The dissemination role includes organization of regular and press releases, TV interviews and media briefing; release of publications; and responding to data requests. • This unit will be tasked with the responsibility of responding to all kinds of data needs. Statistical Service, Ghana

13. 2010 Population and Housing Census Reports • Summary Results of 2010 PHC • National and Regional Demographic Analysis Reports • Monographs Statistical Service, Ghana

14. Disseminating through Thematic Maps – Census Atlas • Apart from the analytical reports and the monographs, thematic maps (Census Atlas) has also produced and hard copies distributed. • The Census Atlas is the primary geographically-based product used for purposes of disseminating census 2010 data. • It shows the spatial distribution of one or more specific data themes for standard geographic areas. Statistical Service, Ghana

15. POPULATION DENSITY Statistical Service, Ghana

16. Persons enumerated in different region of birth Statistical Service, Ghana

17. Monthly Press release of CPI and PPI • Each month the press is invited for the release of the Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index. • This gives the opportunity to the press to interact with staff on the release and for statistical literacy. Statistical Service, Ghana

18. Challenges in data dissemination • A major challenge is to complete the transition from a paper-based statistical publishing regime to web-based publishing regime. • Greater uptake of electronic dissemination in a way that improves communication • Continues improvements in the usability, accessibility of web-site • Providing more self-help facilities for users. Statistical Service, Ghana

19. END OF PRESENTATIONTHANK YOU Statistical Service, Ghana