Features
Need to revise our economic figures
• Ghana Statistical Service head office
Economic development at the national level usually takes recognition of various statistical figures in various sectors of the economy to give the overall picture about a country’s economic development, indicating whether the economy is doing well or not and thereby giving us an idea about the general welfare in the country.
In any modern economy, statistical figures are very important and relevant to national economic growth. It is the figures churned out in various sectors of the economy which helps us to get the general picture of economic performance in the country.
ACCURATE FIGURES
For this reason it is important to ensure that accurate figures are utilised at every point in time. It is also important to point out changes in figures at various points in time, so as to be able to reflect previous changes in the economy. It is equally important to take note any envisaged changes that are likely to occur in current conditions and thereby revise any relevant figures that ought to be dealt with, so as not to lose any evidence-based data that helps to reflect the economic welfare and performance of the country.
If changes are necessary but are not carried out, the economic picture created may not reflect the truth as far as economic performance is concerned. This is why as an example if deteriorating conditions in the past are not included in the revision of statistical data, the poor performance may not reflect in national economic performance for which reason things may be taken for granted that all is well as far as the economy is concerned.
IMPROVEMENTS
In the same way, if in previous times there are improvements in certain sectors of the economy, this improvement should be made to reflect in statistical data, so that everybody will know that there are changes in the economy for the better. This is why accurate statistical data are necessary, if we want to measure economic performance or national economic welfare.
It is necessary to ensure that the figures are not changed to paint a wrong picture or deceive the public with regards to the actual performance of the country. That is why economic performance in every country should not be based on guess work but actual statistical data made available by a relevant and competent body charged with a responsibility of ensuring that only genuine statistical figures are churned out to reflect economic performance.
STATISTICAL DATA
The statistical data here should be sector-based so that each specific sector’s performance can be known and analysed in the most appropriate way. If this is not done, the figures thrown out and given out for analysis may be deceitful. We, therefore, expect only competent bodies charged with such responsibility to come out and give relevant figures for that purpose. Fortunately in Ghana, there is a competent body such as the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) with the duty to provide relevant data regarding various sectors of the country to help in national planning. Indeed, the GSS helps to guide government in its performance and also offers advice on what should be done to improve economic performance.
It is for this reason that the GSS is resourced by the nation to carry out population and housing census for the country. Population and housing census, for example, is used for many economic reasons. If for nothing at all, it helps us to know the total number of people that government needs to cater for at any point in time. Today, we know that Ghana has a population slightly above 30 million. The figure helps the government to know the number of people it has to cater for.
POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS
Furthermore, the result of the population and housing census helps us to know the structure of the country. We are, therefore, able to know the size of the old-age group, that is those above 60 years, and also know those in the working range as well as those under 18 years. In the same way, we are able to know the number of females in the country in relation to the male population. All these help the government to plan well for the country not only for the present time but for the future also.
Another significance of a population and housing census carried out in the country by the GSS is the number and types of housing units that we have in the country. Towards this end, the nation is able to know the number of housing units it possesses as well as substandard housing units that are found in various parts of the country. Among other things, the rural population compared to the urban one is also known, therefore, making it possible for the government to know and plan its urban and rural projects.
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS
We are also able to know, therefore, the number of schools, hospitals, markets and recreational sectors that ought to be constructed for various number of people found in the country.
Thus, available and reliable statistical data is needed by all countries for proper planning. Whenever there is a need for changes in the statistical figure, this will be known through studies carried out by the GSS and that’s why it’s important to ensure that decisions are made to reflect figures reliably provided by the competent body responsible for providing data for the country.
COMPETENT BODY
As has been pointed out already the competent body responsible for this noble work is the GSS which is made up of competent professionals who know what to do at any point in time and whose skills are comparable to excellent professionals in any part of the world. This means that no planning can be carried out without the GSS. Also, when there is the need for changes to reflect economic performance, this should be based on the figures provided by the GSS.
This is why the Ministry of Finance has announced its decision to update its debt sustainability analysis (DSA) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projections for 2022 to reflect positive economic developments in 2021. The revision which will also capture the medium-term projections about the economy is based on the official provisional 2021 fourth quarter and overall 2021 annual GDP data released by the GSS on April 20, 2022.
REAL GDP
According to the GSS, real GDP expanded by 7.0 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the 4.3 per cent growth recorded in the corresponding period of 2020. Similarly, non-oil real GDP in the fourth quarter of 2021 was said to have expanded by 7.6 per cent compared to 5.7 per cent for the same period in 2020.
What all this means is that, it has become necessary for some changes to be effected so that real economic and financial performance will be reflected by the data provided by the GSS. This is what every forward-looking nation is required to do, so that economic performance would not be based on guess work but actual performance provided by reliable statistical data provided by GSS.
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
Contact email/whatsApp address of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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